Drain and re-fill plugs.

I don't like the standard Suzuki drain and re-fill plugs. In my opinion the depth of the 10mm hole is inadequate to get a decent grip on the plug and damage to the plug is likely. At the moment I have a suitable - to me - plug that uses a hex head size 17mm that can be removed with socket or spanner and I just feel happier using that plug. Trouble is I just can't remember what motor it came from. The thread size is 20 x 1.5mm and yes I can buy stainless steel ones for circa £15 but that is a bit excessive and they don't have a magnetic tip. So has anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

Roger

Earlier gen2 Jimnys have 17mm head. I have loads of those plugs. Havent checked if they have the same threads.
Just like you I do not like the 10mm square but Havent thought of trying to swap them.
edit: Google said the sammy ones where M20x1.75 but i'll still check
Just ordered M18 ones at work for something special with rubber gaskets to replace pipe fittings. I'll see if we have something in M20x1.5

I agree with you about the socket plugs.

A quick Google ("drain plug 20x1.5 magnetic") suggests ~£6 is a more usual price, and there seem to be many good options.  I wonder if the local motor factor might have some behind the counter?

Thanks for posting the size, I have also been meaning to upgrade them.

 

I have been doing some research. Picture shows the original style diff. re-fill plug plus a Pirtek M20x1.5 male metric blanking plug plus a 10mm hex bit plus a Dowty washer. The Pirtek plug comes complete with it's own neoprene sealing washer (just visible) but may not be available separately - apparently no one has ever asked for one - but either use the Dowty washer or a suitable "O" ring. As regards drain plug which may or may not have a magnet, you can either put a button magnet on the tip of the new plug -it's made of steel - glue it in place or put magnet inside axle casing. As soon as it stops raining! I will try it for size. Plug cost me £4.80 incl.VAT. and is listed as p.no. 2007981

Roger

The re-fill plug doesn't have a magnet, so I have fitted the Pirtek as a direct replacement. It was a simple replacement and tightened to 50 newton without a problem. In the intervening time there has been no leakage and no loosening, so I am happy with that.
Now for the puzzling part. The drain plugs are encased within a circle of steel that is welded in place and protects the plug from damage when the Jimny is driven over rough ground and as such is invisible to a cursory glance. You have to get under the axle to get a view of the plug. After fitting the Pirtek plug I had a look at the drain plug and found that it had a 17mm hex. head and not the Suzuki 10mm square hole. Due to my age, I accept that my memory may not be as good as it was and bearing in mind that I replaced the diff. oil some years ago I must have removed the plugs and re-fitted/re-placed the plugs that are now present. Question is, does Suzuki use magnetic drain plugs with 10mm square holes? I have looked through my spares box, but cannot find any.

Roger