I went to change my rear differential oil today in my 82 300SD and found the rear diff plug stripped. The drain plug is ok. Is it possible to drain and then pump a little over a quart of fluid in and figure on losing some while putting in the drain plug? Any idea's. I am a freak for changing changing fluids and realy what to change this. I don't know if its wver been done. I know was attempted by the way the fill plug was stripped.

You can remove the vent cap on the top and see if you can jerryrig something to pour the fluid into there. Watch your capacity though.

Well, if you are serious and realy want it out, I would try applying a bit of heat. I have successfull used a heat gun. It woll take a few minutes maybe five or ten but it will get HOT. You can also use a propoane torch or bottle but I like to save that for the really tough ones. Then It is hammer and chisel time. It will come out and you need a new plug anyway. Get the new plug, get the old one out and then drain teh lubricant. This is a reasonable common problem especially in norherrn climes and where the previous owner did no maintenance for the last 15 years.

The quickest way to get them out is the old air chisel..We use them to do this with no problems. Any shop should be able to do this for you.

Then replace the plug and seal.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Push a sharp chisel against the edge of the plug in counter clockwise direction and hit it with a hammer. You possibly need a lot of room under the car in order to do that. I have never tried on the differential drain plug but it works very time for me on other frozen nuts. It works where an air impact fails.

David