1952 crank plug

[Kev.Leaverland]

Hi Im trying to get my 1952 VH back on the road after a 20 year sleep. I need to know what size long socket I need to remove the oil purifier plug. I think it's 3/16 whitworth. I'm sure someone will be able to confirm this. Thanks

[nevhunter]

It's a BS size. Needs to be a good fit or you might round it off and be in strife. A sharp hit om the socket or the Hex with a brass drift can make it easier to move. It doesn't need to be eye- wateringly tight. Just enough so it won't undo. The gunk inside can be pretty Hard if it's been there for a while. Nev

[garycullen]

Adding to Nev’s advice try and use a good condition 6 sided or hex socket. The multi faced sockets will round the bolt off if it has been in there for a while.
A sharp tap with a ball pien hammer first on the top will also assist to loosen the threads.I keep a bsf socket unused for anything else just for this job.

[Pete.Silson]

I use a slim 7/16" AF six-sided socket with the end ground flat to reduce the internal chamfer. This sits flush to the sludge trap flange and perfectly into the flywheel hole. It has worked successfully for me on several previously user-mangled sludge trap nuts - probably because it engages on the part of the nut not previously reached. Also, I always use a T-bar to keep the socket square on the nut.

...and before anybody comments on using an AF socket on a BSCy bolt. Standard Whitworth spanners are a relatively loose fit on bolts (to make them easy to use). The 7/16 AF is about 008" tighter than a 1/4 BSF socket and ensures a nice snug fit on the bolt.

[Julian Murphy]

Have a look at this thread from 2023, where I asked the same question as you.

viewtopic.php?t=13307.

[nevhunter]

You can also play with an 11 MM socket as an option and ARC weld on some square if you get desperate. Protect the rest from splatter with big washers etc. Have the Motor in Pieces for that sort of thing. Nev

[Kev.Leaverland]

Thanks for all of your input. Eventually got it out using a 6 sided 7/16 socket. Pleased to report that after all my faffing about the sludge trap was clean. Still it pays to check these things.