problem with replacement HFCM plug
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
problem with replacement HFCM plug
Two years ago I installed the brass replacement plug in my HFCM. I only hand tightened it in , but I usually had to use pliers to get it out. This time, after not removing it for about 6 months, I needed vice grips to loosen it and it was tough going all the way out. Upon hand tightening back in, it would only go in about half way before I couldn,t turn it any more. Has any one had this problem, or does it seem normal? Thanks in advance, John
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: New Baltimore, Michigan
I did all my Filters last weekend and had the same problem. I hand tightened it when I bought it about 8 months ago and had to use vise grips as well. Channel locks only stripped the knurling off.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 18
From: Henderson, NV
I was going to purchase one of these HFCM plugs but instead I will stick with the stock plug. I have absolutely no problem removing it with an allen wrench. Thanks for posting the "long-term" effects of using this product.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Sure enough, the replacement plug that I could only hand tighten part way in was leaking this morning when I checked it. I still had the original plug and it went all the way in with no resistance at all. Tightened it with an allen key. For some reason the brass plug no longer fit properly. It looked just fine except that the inner half of the smooth portion, next to the threads, was very shinny, while the half next to the knurled **** was black. I don't know if that means anything, but it seems that if you have replaced your drain plug, you might want to ckeck it out.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: New Baltimore, Michigan
I will be putting the stock one back in. It is odd the there is a problem. The stock one is brass I belive.
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,915
Likes: 3,629
It sure sounds like the o-ring that was used was not compatible with diesel fuel long-term. Diesel is definitely hard on rubber products. It causes some types of rubber to swell and then decompose. Rub your hand over the o-ring. Does it turn black?
Did you ever change out the o-ring yourself? Do you use any fuel additives? How about biodiesel? ... or should we all be thinking about a two-year life on the rubber in our plug as well??
Did you ever change out the o-ring yourself? Do you use any fuel additives? How about biodiesel? ... or should we all be thinking about a two-year life on the rubber in our plug as well??
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Where are the chemists, is there a reaction between the brass and aluminum with a mixture of diesel fuel, I have never heard of one. I know that galvanized metal and copper have a reaction because of my home air conditioner. Has anyone seen an aluminum knurled plug?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,915
Likes: 3,629
The rod is not too long, it just has to be at the right angle to go in. Doesn't take too much manipulating to get it to go.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts, USA
I drain my hfcm every oil change which is about 6 weeks and never had a problem with the new plug. I use an allen to tighten and loosen with no problem at all. I agree wth BIS that the stem needs a little manipulating but I find this a lot easier than the stock plug. Needless I almost stripped out the allen hole on the stock plug. What a PITA that would have been to get out at least with the thumb screw you can grab something.
My $.02 ........waiting for change
My $.02 ........waiting for change
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
It definately was not the o ring. My original plug is steel, not brass. If there is some sort of reaction with the brass, I don't think taking it out more often is the best answer to the problem.