Thread: can't seem to get the rubber plug back in motor sump to bellhousing D2 V8

Is the rubber particularly hard? I had to replace one of mine as it was quite hard. I later soaked the original, just the edges that flexed into the hole in oil for a while then it would go in. It softened the bits that need it enough to go in.

The trick is to put the side that's hardest to get to in. Then using a blunt pencil/small drill or the like bow the inner lip in (by pushing across the hole), sort of folded in on itself. At the same time squeeze the side in slightly to raise the centre but also keep pressure on it to stop the other side popping out. Once it's folded back in it should stay there and just use the other hand to push in.

The rubber is soft, the cat' tin cover upper edges ripped my hands apart,
( they are sharp) so gave up after that.

Yep, Pain in the bum. The driver's side went in after a while but the passenger side just seems to have swollen too big. I'm going to get a couple of electrical blanking grommets and use them.

Guys
Once they have come out and soaked in oil, they rarely go back without a struggle.

I keep a handful of new ones in stock and bung em in the bin once removed.
Cheers Dennis