!969 TR6R gearbox oil change

[chrisf-1]

Hi everyone I have the above bike in the UK and while the weather is like this I am doing some work on it it was rebuilt last year and at the moment is sitting in my garage looking neglected because of inclement weather in fact I am only a fair weather rider nowadays, anyway I would like to change the g/box oil after 750 miles now done and am having a problem getting a socket on the 2 in 1 level and drain plug is there a special tool for this if not what is the correct size as I have tried A/F and Whit and cannot get anything to bite on it and it looks to simple to require a special tool any help or advice greatly appreciated many thanks Chris

 

[Rocky]

This is very odd because no special tool is required to remove it.
The parts book only lists it as a drain plug with no dimensions so I can't tell you what size it is.
Maybe somebody else can help.

 

[CarlS]

It is just a drain plug on my 68 TR6R; no special tool needed. Maybe GP will have some insight.

 

[chrisf-1]

It is just a drain plug on my 68 TR6R; no special tool needed. Maybe GP will have some insight.

That is what I thought but I need to know the correct size socket to use and if that does not work I may have to get brutal and replace with a new one

 

[Rudie]

having a problem getting a socket on the 2 in 1 level and drain plug
what is the correct size

1969 and later, 3/4"AF or 11/16"AF, it's a standard 1/2"UNC thread.

Be aware the design, manufacture and longevity of the 2 in 1 level and drain plug is poor. The level tube regularly falls out of the drain plug and, if a loose level tube is ever picked up between two spinning gears, you can kiss the gearbox and crankcases goodbye, never mind what might happen to the rest of the bike and you in the ensuing crash.

Triumph eventually acknowledged this and fitted a plain 1/2"UNC drain bolt. They also fitted a dipstick but this isn't strictly necessary - simply fill the gearbox with the oil quantity in the manual, it doesn't go anywhere it doesn't show as a leak; if the bike has a serious leak, drain the oil, (fix the leak) either discard the drained oil and refill with new or top up the drained oil with new and refill.

may have to get brutal

Do you not have a "universal socket" aka "Gator-Grip" for rounded-off hexs.? Use either term in an internet search engine, loads of retailers including Amazon.

 

[Rocky]

These plugs aren't in there so tight that you need much force to free them.
If worse comes to worse you should be able to clamp onto it with vice grips and turn it out without any damage.
In the meantime, maybe GP or others have the size for you.

As I was typing this I see Rudie has replied

 

[chrisf-1]

Thanks everyone must have been having a bad day yesterday a 3/8 drive 11/16 went straight on and undid it no bother I must have been having a senior moment thanks everyone

 

[CarlS]

Glad you got it solved. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[Rocky]

I'm glad it was solved. For the life of me I couldn't understand why you were having so much trouble with it.
Oh well, you're among many seniors here who have "had their moments"