ebay sump wrenches

MikeM · Nov 6, 2014

I am using an adjustable crescent wrench to remove the sump drain. Its big. Its buggering up the plug. Its not right. I have a 71 Commando. I am seeing wrenches on ebay. Looks like a much better option than an adjustable. I am seeing 1 and 1/2 inch. Is this going to fit correctly?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251192565631?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Is there a better option? I dont like the adjustable, it just isnt right. What are you guys using?
Thanks MikeM

Torontonian · Nov 6, 2014

I'm using a WRIGHT 6148 , 1/2 " Forged Alloy -U.S.A.- M . The drive is so huge I can't read the rusty old adaptor size. Remember buying it for ten bucks at a Wisconsin Rally way back when and packing it back to Toronto via Lake Superior route. Serious miles , moonshine and girlfriend too. 2 other escort bikes speeding with radar protection and hand signal slow downs from frontrunner.

grandpaul · Nov 6, 2014

There is at least one other, better, option. It'a an all-in-one custom fabbed unit that has a large drain nut box-end on one end, fork cap nut box end on the other, inspection cap "screwdriver" slot bit, and some other uses (can't remember at the moment, and it's not close at hand) maybe a 9/16" or so cut-out...

Mine is well worn without being worn out. Good tool, and only cost about $20 or so (if I remember right)

(edit)
Totally off-topic, but after posting the above, I googled "norton motorcycle multi-tool" and when I selected the entry near the top for "see more images" I was blown away by the screens full of wonderful pictures, NONE of which were the multi-tool that i have.

...anyway...

grandpaul · Nov 6, 2014

I know Pep Boys sells a large dual-box-end wrench that also has one of the heads big enough to knock that sump plug loose.

This memory thing is tough; i wonder if the other end of that wrench isn't the one for the gearbox drive sprocket nut?

aceaceca · Nov 6, 2014

Been discussed before I think. Mine is a 71 also. I use a 1 7/16 socket. Not sure if it is 6 or 12 point. No need now as I put a oil shut off valve on her.

Nater_Potater · Nov 6, 2014

Using a pawn-shop-bought 1-1/2" six-point 1/2" drive socket, but it's a '74, so I might not be the best source for size info. I found one that was shallower than most, then I ground the face flat. With the very thin head on the plug, this helps to avoid the socket cocking over when applying torque. Cheap, and works a treat.

I see somebody's been taking the online Hobot School of Literature...

Torontonian said:
I'm using a WRIGHT 6148 , 1/2 " Forged Alloy -U.S.A.- M . The drive is so huge I can't read the rusty old adaptor size. Remember buying it for ten bucks at a Wisconsin Rally way back when and packing it back to Toronto via Lake Superior route. Serious miles , moonshine and girlfriend too. 2 other escort bikes speeding with radar protection and hand signal slow downs from frontrunner.

Nathan

concours · Nov 7, 2014

"I see somebody's been taking the online Hobot School of Literature...
Torontonian wrote:
I'm using a WRIGHT 6148 , 1/2 " Forged Alloy -U.S.A.- M . The drive is so huge I can't read the rusty old adaptor size. Remember buying it for ten bucks at a Wisconsin Rally way back when and packing it back to Toronto via Lake Superior route. Serious miles , moonshine and girlfriend too. 2 other escort bikes speeding with radar protection and hand signal slow downs from frontrunner.
"

Beat me to it...

DogT · Nov 7, 2014

I got a 1 1/2" box end from Walmart in the trailor hitch section for about $10. I think Harbor Freight and Tractor Supply has the same thing about the same price. It's just a very large double box end, 12 point as I remember. If you have an early bike with the center stand on the frame a socket won't work.

htown16 · Nov 7, 2014

+1 on the trailer hitch box wrench. On my 72 one end fits the oil tank drain plug and the other end the gearbox sprocket nut. On a 72 a standard 9/16 socket fits the drain plug in the bottom of the crankcase.

Torontonian · Nov 7, 2014

DogT knows as I found out with our 70 Models that any socket won't clear the underside crossover frame bar. Clearly the proper procedure was to remove the whole motor in order to undo that big sump nut. Logical Brit early thinkings. :roll:

mike996 · Nov 7, 2014

I use a big socket on my '73 though I don't remember the size. I've only pulled that big plug twice that I can recall - luckily there's a smaller actual drain plug on that model for normal oil changes. I don't know what year they went to that but my '71 had only the big drain/mesh.

auldblue · Nov 7, 2014

Torontonian said:
DogT knows as I found out with our 70 Models that any socket won't clear the underside crossover frame bar. Clearly the proper procedure was to remove the whole motor in order to undo that big sump nut. Logical Brit early thinkings. :roll:

Or use a ring spanner!

mschmitz57 · Nov 7, 2014

MikeM said:
I am using an adjustable crescent wrench to remove the sump drain. Its big. Its buggering up the plug. Its not right. I have a 71 Commando. I am seeing wrenches on ebay. Looks like a much better option than an adjustable. I am seeing 1 and 1/2 inch. Is this going to fit correctly?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251192565631?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Is there a better option? I dont like the adjustable, it just isnt right. What are you guys using?
Thanks MikeM

I bought one of these a few years ago because it looked like a good idea but I find it a little awkward to use.
It will only fit on the drain plug with the handle trapped between the frame rails, facing forward. Maybe 10-15 degrees rotation max.
And since the wrench hugs the crankcase there isn't a good place to grab the wrench handle. Not the greatest leverage either.
It gets the job done but at least with a socket you can use an extender and clear the frame rails for easier movelent of the handle.

DogT · Nov 7, 2014

auldblue said:
Or use a ring spanner!

Isn't that the same thing in an alternative lingua?

ebay sump wrenches

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