M37 230 flathead oil drain plug question

[BrutusM37]

First oil change on the PW has me stumped. What bit do I need for the drain plug? It's like a T60 Torx but has 8 points instead of 6. I've heard of them referred to as "double square" and "8 pt star" but can't find anything online. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm surprised the military would put something so bizarre on there. Might be aftermarket. I can provide pictures if needed.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

Use a square drive.

 

[BrutusM37]

Can't. The splines are super shallow and the the square won't grab

 

[porkysplace]

Weld a nut on it.

 

[MatthewH]

Allen wrench maybe, hard to see it clearly

 

[BrutusM37]

I like the weld a nut idea! Plus playing with the welder is always fun.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

That's the original style drain plug. The correct tool is a 1/2" by 2.5" long piece of square stock. If you use a 1/2 drive socket (with rounded edges) you will strip it.

 

[Floridianson]

That's the original style drain plug. The correct tool is a 1/2" by 2.5" long piece of square stock. If you use a 1/2 drive socket (with rounded edges) you will strip it.

Yep and thanks. Someone must have used a ratchet with tapered corners on mine as I had a little trouble getting mine out. Plus someone thinks the drain plug needs fifty foot pounds. I was able to install with no trouble using my 3/8 to 1/2 adapter that has good square corners. As you said the ratchet has bad corners as we can see. I do have a new one on order so the next time oil change might go better.