Manual Transmission Fill Plug + Clutch Pedal

[Mike5442]

I recently finally got my car running enough(still lacks power but finally holds idle) to test drive on the road and am starting to go through everything to make it road worthy.
The vehicle sat for about 15 years in a barn so I do want to change the fluids including the manual transmission oil.
I saw where someone wrote in the forums not to use an open ended wrench to remove the fill plug. What has anyone else used to remove it?

Also, another note related to the transmission..... last year I had replaced all clutch hydraulics (master, slave, stainless line, rubber reservoir hose) and filled/bled the system. To me the clutch pedal feels very hard to depress compared to my other cars with manual transmissions. Would anyone else describe this pedal as being stiff or does anyone think that sitting in a barn for 15 years cause some stiffness in the clutch fork and components. The vehicle does shift between the gears no problem on my road tests)

Thank you!

[Bitsyncmaster]

If the fill plug has never been removed, you will probably need heat to remove it.

I MIG welded a nut on the original plug and the heat from welding made removal real easy. Another owners car required and impact even after welding a nut on.

[content22207_2]

Obviously a proper square socket on an impact wrench is the preferred tool. Will turn the plug right out.

You may be able to get away with one of these:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/lisle-disc-brake-piston-tool-28600/25961363-P?searchTerm=lisle+28600
http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wheel-disc-brake-piston-tool-68972.html
Treat yourself to a little 3/8" impact gun -- they come in handy sometimes.

Another trick is to put a box wrench on spark plug socket (on the hex at the end), then put the socket on the plug backwards (3/8 drive on the plug):
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/toolworks-3-8-drive-5-8-spark-plug-socket-tw2741/9010376-P?searchTerm=spark+plug+socket
You can hit the wrench with a hammer to emulate the hammering action of an impact gun.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[DMC-81]

Hi there,

Here is what I used. CTA tools 2048.
44754

I think I got mine from PepBoys, but Amazon has them as well.

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-2048-10-Millimeter-Female/dp/B008TOHA6Q

Also, FWIW, my clutch pedal is stiff.

Cheers,

[Rich]

.... last year I had replaced all clutch hydraulics (master, slave, stainless line, rubber reservoir hose) and filled/bled the system. To me the clutch pedal feels very hard to depress compared to my other cars with manual transmissions. Would anyone else describe this pedal as being stiff or does anyone think that sitting in a barn for 15 years cause some stiffness in the clutch fork and components.

Answer, no, would not describe the clutch in a D as being stiff. It has an average clutch pedal force/feel.

To start with - besides checking and maybe lubing the pedal linkage - find another owner of a 5-speed D to check the feel of the clutch in that car. Then you will know whether there's something to chase down and fix.

[DMC-81]

Hi there,

Here is what I used. CTA tools 2048.
44754

I think I got mine from PepBoys, but Amazon has them as well.

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-2048-10-Millimeter-Female/dp/B008TOHA6Q

Also, FWIW, my clutch pedal is stiff.

Cheers,

PepBoys still has them. $6.99.
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/293897/01424

Also, I guess "stiff" is a relative term. I have a new clutch MC, stainless steel lines, and slave cylinder. I would describe the effort as "firm". In comparison, my C5 Corvette had a softer pedal feel.

[Morpheus]

Compared to a more modern car, the DeLorean clutch will definitely feel heavier. Years ago, when I bought my first D, it was a bit of an adjustment driving my Mazda Protege 5 after driving the D for an extended period of time... its clutch pedal was feather light by comparison.

[David T]

If you have ever had the clutch replaced you will have a newer version where the pressure plate has some counterweights. That allows the pressure plate springs to be a little bit looser giving a softer pedal but at higher and higher RPM's it will put additional force on the clutch plate to prevent slipping even with the softer springs. It is likely you still have the original clutch so getting a new one may make a difference. Even with a newer clutch the clutch pedal in a Delorean is heavy by today's standards. And so is the steering, especially when you are stopped or moving slowly like parallel parking (no power steering). Combined it makes the car feel old when driving it compared to newer, more modern cars. My biggest adjustment was from driving a big SUV and getting so low and close to the ground. Took a while before it was comfortable being so low and not being able to see as well all around. To compensate you must think farther ahead because you can't see as far as when you are up high and you must always be more aware of what the cars beside and behind you are doing.