Fork drain set screws

[Bill D.]

I am trying to remove my fork drain set screw on a 1957 flh so I can change fork oil. I put a heat gun on the screw and fork. I tried a hand impact driver with a good 3/16" allen and a good allen wrench with a small cheater but I have not been successful in freeing up the drain screw. I am reluctant to really get on because I don't want to round out the allen. What are some of the techniques tried by others?

[Rubone]

That allen headed plug is a pipe thread fitting and removing it can be a real test of patience. Try the heat again as I find that to be the best. Use a propane torch, a heat gun just won't do it. Keep the heat on the aluminum leg and away from the plug. You are correct in using the impact driver
Robbie

[flat-happy]

you also want to make sure you have a good quality allen. at least a craftsman or a snap on if possible. the cheap allens will round out the plug quickly. if it gets rounded out you can tap in a t-27 torx bit to get it out

[koanes]

I've had good luck removing the plugs with direct heat to the plug itself. I get the plug red hot with the torch and drip on the loose juice as it cools. I wait for the leg to completely cool before I try the wrench. If the plug doesn't turn out, repeat the procedure. I should mention this should be attempted only after the leg has been removed and cleaned. I haven't had to drill a plug out for over 25 yrs.

[Bill D.]

Thanks for the advice

Thanks to all of you for pointing me in the correct direction. At this point I am reluctant to take the forks off the bike for a completely different reason. But I will use the heat gun (about 1500 watts) and get the unit as toastly as possible. apply penetrating oil. I have good quality SnapOn impact allens and I will methodically use the hand impact driver. I appreciate the T27 tip. Again thanks to all of you for the response.

[Robert Luland]

Rule of thumb. Tighten first to crack it and don't forget the neverseize when ya put that POS back in. Reminds me of the good old days of trying to bleed banana calibers. Try getting that nipple loose. Bob L

[Chris Haynes]

Back in the '60's there was an aftermarket plug with a valve in in. You could drain and refill the fork tube without removing the plug.