Oil Drain Plug Location on a 682

[rjarvis1961]

Hello,
Can anyone please tell me where the Oil Drain Plug is located on a 682 with a K17S engine?
Thank you

[SWilliams]

Normally they have a couple, one under the output shaft and one on the side opposite the starter. 

[Tom Scott]

Do they have one in the middle underneath like the Magnum 18?  That's the one I find most convenient.  It's just a pipe plug in the middle of the bottom of the crankcase, might be easy to miss if it's a flush plug covered with dirt.

[SWilliams]

They do but I'm not sure how easy it would be to get to with the deck on. On the ones I've had I drain them, then added a piece of pipe out so you can drain them without all the fuss. CC added a drain hose on the later tractors, but it isn't really long enough.

[rjarvis1961]

Thanks Steve and Tom for your responses. I believe I have located the drain plug directly fly underneath and just in front of the of the front axel. I do not have the deck on currently , just the mule drive and it is still not at all easy to get to. It’ll make a real mess when I do I’m sure. I have read about putting on a longer piece of pipe with an elbow and a hose and a plug at the end for future oil changes. I plan to do that once I am able to drain out the oil. I’ll look for the other drain plug on the other side of the starter too. Is it necessary to then drain both? Thinking the one directly under the pan should do it? I did try and get that plug lose/off and no go so far. There’s not much to grab onto to turn a socket , so I’ll have to figure that out too. I have a riding mower lift so I’ll be trying that next. I’ve had this machine for a couple of years now and still have not gotten it up and mowing. I recently replaced the PTO Clutch with a much better used one. Actually did that job myself and it worked out pretty well. Really not too tough to do. I’ve painted the mule drive so that looks good along with the rest of the machine. Once I get the oil changed and put the deck on , I’ll finally shoot some Pics on the forum.
Cheers
Rich

[Tom Scott]

No, not necessary to open more than one, although depending on the angle of the machine, you might get slightly more out of one than another.  If using the front plug under the pto, I'd drive the rear tires onto 2x4 blocks, but that's splitting hairs as compared to committing to regular oil changes.

When I had a deck on the 1872, I did as Steve suggested and put a nipple on the front port after removing the plug, oil changes became much easier with the deck installed.

Now I just use the 1872 with the Haban blade, so the one on the bottom center of the crankcase is easier, and I think it gets the most out without tipping the machine.  Be careful and hopefully you are able to get the bottom center one out.  They are just pipe plug thread, so you don't need a Cub Cadet part number plug to replace.  Get a replacement pipe plug from the hardware store that has a good grip area for a wrench.  They come as four sided plugs, hex plugs, or even a plug that will accept an allen key.  I tend to prefer brass, kinder to the block than a steel plug.  Just remember that it's pipe thread, so it depends on a taper to seal and just gets tighter as you install.  If you overtighten you could conceivably ruin the crankcase.  You can use a bit of pipe thread dope on it to help prevent leaks.  Shouldn't need more than 1-1/2 turns with a wrench past hand snug, possibly less.

[rjarvis1961]

Thank you Tom. I’ll post some updates. Probably have a few more inquiries along the way too!
Cheers

[davis2]

Thanks Steve and Tom for your responses. I believe I have located the drain plug directly fly underneath and just in front of the of the front axel. I do not have the deck on currently , just the mule drive and it is still not at all easy to get to. It’ll make a real mess when I do I’m sure. I have read about putting on a longer piece of pipe with an elbow and a hose and a plug at the end for future oil changes. I plan to do that once I am able to drain out the oil. I’ll look for the other drain plug on the other side of the starter too. Is it necessary to then drain both? Thinking the one directly under the pan should do it? I did try and get that plug lose/off and no go so far. There’s not much to grab onto to turn a socket , so I’ll have to figure that out too. I have a riding mower lift so I’ll be trying that next. I’ve had this machine for a couple of years now and still have not gotten it up and mowing. I recently replaced the PTO Clutch with a much better used one. Actually did that job myself and it worked out pretty well. Really not too tough to do. I’ve painted the mule drive so that looks good along with the rest of the machine. Once I get the oil changed and put the deck on , I’ll finally shoot some Pics on the forum.
Cheers
Rich

Take the mule drive off. Trust me.
 

[Tom Scott]

Hey D2, nice to see you.

Yeah, I missed that, nice catch.  Definitely need to remove the mule drive if you want to access the center drain plug.  Good catch.

It's not but a few minutes to remove and reinstall mule drive, no reason to have in your way.

[rjarvis1961]

Okay, thanks for the tip!

[SWilliams]

Or you could drain it like the Ariens that is at my other place, it made a BANG and drained itself.....  OH well, There is still a Kubota, 3 other Cubs, a Super and 2 JD 455s over there...

[rjarvis1961]

Well… back at it today. Removed the Mule Drive , which did allow for better access to the drain plug hex nut. Still cannot get the plug /nut to budge?! I sprayed it a couple of times with some penetrating BLASTER spray. That didn’t do it either. I do need a better/tighter grip on the nut itself also and some more leverage to add force when trying to loosen. Any recommendations for the proper tool to use? I was using a ratcheting socket. The fit wasn’t exact and the bar length was too short also. The drain plug on the oil pan is recessed somewhat by another metal plate with a cut out hole , so cannot get at it with a regular wrench.

[SWilliams]

Hmm, never seen one with a hex drain plug, usually they are a common square drive pipe plug 

plug682.jpg (53.65 KiB) Viewed 4594 times

Is that the one you are trying to remove?
 

[rjarvis1961]

No , the one I am trying to remove is a hex nut that is located on the bottom center of the engine, underneath . Maybe it’s not the oil drain plug at all ?! Unfortunately I have not been able to find an image or schematic of the engine in the machine that shows where the oil drain plug is , or any description anywhere. I was told by a former Cub Dealership owner who now sells parts and works on old Cubs that the drain plug is underneath in the center of the engine. I bought four types of Flexible wrenches last night , some ratcheting , some not, in hopes of finally being able to loosen this hex nut underneath. Meanwhile, I may be after the wrong thing?! Thinking now that I should be looking for a plug type like the one you show in your Pic? I’ll have to remove the side tins /shields on the engine and take a look. Thanks for sending the Pic Steve.
Cheers!
Rich

[Tom Scott]

Richard, the bottom drain plug is located in the center of the round cutout sheet metal underneath, pointing straight down.  It sounds like you are indeed on the bottom drain plug I mentioned.  Although the factory plug might have been square as Steve shows, someone could have easily replaced with a hex head plug.  Remember "lefty-loosey" as your lying underneath the tractor.

Don't chance stripping the hex with the wrong or ill fitting tools!  It sounds like the hex might be a bit rounded already, so I'd recommend a 6-point socket, and extension to get you clear of the recess caused by the sheet metal, and a breaker bar that is longer than a standard ratchet (that's why they make breaker bars!).  The breaker bar will give you the leverage you need, but make sure you are turning in the correct direction.

[rjarvis1961]

Thanks Tom for your last reply. I was able to loosen the hex plug with a new six sided socket and a ratchet that extended longer than the ones I had tried previously. Since the oil plug is directly underneath the engine and is recessed behind the plate with the hole cut out I would like to extend the drain plug beyond the cut out for easier access on future oil changes. You spoke of a solution on an oil plug extension from the front of an engine in a previous post. I have attached Pics of what I believe may work for my situation. Would like to know what your thoughts are and any better suggestions you may have. Not sure yet if it will extend enough either. I bought a new square plug to replace the hex plug , although the hex plug doesn’t appear to be in bad shape. Thought it was chewed up a bit more than it is.
Thanks again for your help!

[SWilliams]

That will work, I usually use brass because they are smaller and usually fit in there better. You can also find smaller fittings at many auto parts stores. The OE solution was a flexible rubber hose with the plug in the end. 

[rjarvis1961]

Yes, went with the hose hook up! Should be a life saver down the road. At least a back saver anyway!

[davis2]

Yes, went with the hose hook up! Should be a life saver down the road. At least a back saver anyway!

Sorry, I've moved 3 times since July, so haven't been around much. On my tractor, I use a 1/2" or 3/8" extension to loosen the square plug. I put a wrench on the male end and loosen it. I may borrow the hose trick! Sorry I'm late to the party! BTW, I'm in North Carolina now, in Asheboro. 
 

[davis2]

Hey D2, nice to see you.

Yeah, I missed that, nice catch.  Definitely need to remove the mule drive if you want to access the center drain plug.  Good catch.

It's not but a few minutes to remove and reinstall mule drive, no reason to have in your way.

Thanks, Tom. Just wondering if you know who may have some spindles for my 44" deck? I bought a new one from Messick's, but it doesn't look like what I already have. I'll have to look up the numbers, but when I bought it, the listing said it fit my deck... Moving sucks, I'm still not completely unpacked!!!