axle filler plugs

i eventually called in to the stealers and ordered a pair of axle filler plugs. i also ordered " gaskets " that were shown on the parts diagram on their screen.
i have a couple of questions before i blow torch mine loose -
1 are the gaskets necessary every time the plugs are removed ?
2 on the diagram at the dealers another part was shown - any idea what this might be ? do i have to order something else ?
thanks rob

1) no, re use the old ones unless they are damaged, they are only a sealing washer, and the oil doesn't come up that high except by splashing. In The Olden Days I used to anneal any copper washers that I took off things by heating them up with a blowlamp. Nowadays I don't bother, and they still don't leak.

2) not the faintest idea, need to see a picture.


The filler plugs usually come out fairly easily with a chisel to knock them round anticlockwise, and don't need heat.
The drain plugs need a smear of sealant on the threads when they go back. Anything oil proof will do.

oh no they won't
can't imagine when they were last undone . not shifting at all . chisel not budging them and i even bought a 10mm square tool which also will not move 'em . any ideas ??
thanks for the reply

facade wrote: 1) no, re use the old ones unless they are damaged, they are only a sealing washer, and the oil doesn't come up that high except by splashing. In The Olden Days I used to anneal any copper washers that I took off things by heating them up with a blowlamp. Nowadays I don't bother, and they still don't leak.

2) not the faintest idea, need to see a picture.


The filler plugs usually come out fairly easily with a chisel to knock them round anticlockwise, and don't need heat.
The drain plugs need a smear of sealant on the threads when they go back. Anything oil proof will do.

The drain plugs need a smear of sealant on the threads when they go back. Anything oil proof will do.

Yeah I now realise this after not putting any on my gearbox drain plug. And now its dripping!

The usual suggestion on here is to get a big bolt or piece of hexagon bar, file a slightly over 10mm square on the end, tap into the hole and weld it in, then undo it quickly whilst it is still hot.

Mine was tight enough to turn the square hole round, but chiselled out with a couple of taps, then I welded the hexagon in place off the car.

You could try done big mole grips to grip the edges then a whack with a bfh!