What tool can I use to remove these manifold plugs?

[edsmax]

I am installing new OE manifolds on my 5.0L engine. It appears I need to remove some pieces from my old manifolds and transfer to the new pieces.

See the gold plugs in the attached? Anyone know what type of bit I would use to remove them? Almost look like a giant torx bit.

Ed

 

[Nehalennia]

Allen driver on a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Maybe, a ratchet with no socket on it or the head of a bolt with two nuts locked on the threads.
Years ago, I had to deal with that problem and forget what I had that fit.
I didn't have the correct tool in by box.

 

[edsmax]

Know the size by any chance? These are huge.

 

[Happy Hour IV]

Just a 1 inch long hex bolt with double nuts. Don't recall the size but I am thinking a 5/8 inch wrench fits the head.

 

[JimG]

You could carry it into Sears and match it up to the proper tool.

 

[edsmax]

Hmmm, never tried this method before. Just assumed there would be a socket bit that would fit this.

 

[vandal]

You should not have to remove the brass plugs the center one is used for engine water outlet. A 9-16 or 5-8 bolt with 2 or 3 jam nuts will get them out. The only store that sells allen wrench sockets that big is harbor fright you can find them in store or on line sears has nothing that big.

 

[Nehalennia]

It's not a socket it's an allen head driver. I'm not sure of the size right now, but JimG's idea is good.

 

[Woody]

Any auto parts store should have allen wrenches and/or drivers that size. I think a 5/8" allen should be the right size.

 

[Russ Calasant]

I think it was a 5/8 but I also have a 17 mm, one of them fit- just did it last year. Also I did walk into Sears and bought a set, they did not sell the allen head socket separately.

 

[rcknecht]

You can get a set of large Allen drive for your 3/8" ratchet drive from Harbor Freight for about $8 for the set...

 

[jrurhh]

I'm doing the same thing and this is a timely thread. One other related question is what is used to seal the threads? It appears to be some kind of coating that is red in color.

 

[cwray350]

its a allen wrench i got mine at sears hardware

 

[rcknecht]

I'm doing the same thing and this is a timely thread. One other related question is what is used to seal the threads? It appears to be some kind of coating that is red in color.

Pipe dope, it paints on with a brush... Teflon tape would work too...

 

[edsmax]

Ironically, I do not even think I will need to remove these plugs (based on photos I have of my engine stored in my phone).

This leads to another question; are all of these plugs on my new OE manifolds and risers already properly torqued from the factory?

 

[tbirdvet]

If the plugs have sealer on them (which I assume they do) then yes they would have to be be set from the factory to proper torque.