Well, I finally did what I've been dreading for about a year now.
The core plug right above the oil filter has been leaking all year.
This year, it had gotten worse. Finally, at about 3:30 today,
I attacked it. First I tried pounding it through so it would
contract in and come out. Couldn't get a good swing at it. Then
I tried drilling a hole and prying it loose. But the drill bit
couldn't get a purchase.
Lastly, I got a 1/4 inch chisel and in about 4 whacks, it was
through, a bit of a twist pry and it popped right out.
Then getting the new one in. Friday, I stopped at NAPA and
got one of those bolt on ones in Barney's mgaguru.com pages.
But I thought I'd try a regular plug first.
Pulled the oil filter, cleaned up the hole, and put a little
blue sealer on. Took a ballpen and a regular hammer. I had my
9 year old hold the oil hose out of the way and gave it
some whacks. Looked good.
Put the radiator hose back on, filled it up and fired it up.
Leak.
But in the radiator hose, not the plug. I think it's in good.
I'm going to get a new hose clamp tomorrow, but I got this one
tighten down sufficiently, I believe.
Less than 2 hours, and I've been dreading it for a year.
What an idiot.
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