In a message dated 3/16/99 12:56:59 AM Mountain Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

>
>  Date:    Mon, 15 Mar 1999 23:14:33 EST
>  From:    KENWILFY@AOL.COM
>  Subject: Re: what is a 17mm "socket tool"???
>
>  Tony this is a pain to do.  I used an old lug bolt from a Jetta and a pipe
>  wrench to get the drain plug out of the tranny with the exhaust installed.
> I
>  had the tool from Sears but it won't work.
>  Anyone have a better way?
>  Ken Wilford
>  Van-Again
>  John 3:16
>

I took the standard 17mm giant allen key looking tool they sell for this
purpose and cut off part of the short leg, basically right past the bend in
the key with enough straight section to fully seat in the plugs.    It now
clears the pipes at the drain plug end, still works fine at the fill plug end.

The surface of the key is hardened but you can get through it with a fresh
hacksaw blade and some oil.  A file will clean up the rest and make a nice job
of it.

As the plugs on both of my westies had been boogered up by PO's moron
mechanics I "reformed" them by tapping down the shredded metal around the hex
hole.  They actually reformed quite nicely and the big hex key wrench locks in
firmly.  A  bit of red paint to fill the hex hole in the plugs finishes off
the job as it looks nice and makes hitting the hole with the key easier while
working in the dark under the Van.

I use teflon tape or Permatex pipe thread sealant on the plugs so I can be
assured they are sealed without killing them with too much torque which just
mushrooms out the hole in the case needlessly.

Carl Turner