Glad I replaced core plugs!

[Davenott]

image.jpgThanks Steve (Stagmuffin) for recommending I replace my core plugs.
My core plugs looked immaculate and thanks to Steve's suggestion, I decided to replace them.
I found them harder to removed than I expected. I tried the technique with a self tapper screw and stilsons but found the core just dished outwards and the screw suddenly let loose. I then tried tapping them out with a hammer and chisel/screwdriver, my first couple were really hard work and the inside surface of the first couple out we're immaculate, and I did think of leaving the rest . Luckily I persisted, as a couple of the next ones were so rusted through on the inside, that they were paper thin.
I found the core plugs in the block were much easier to remove than the ones in the heads.
Despite being careful, I managed to knock 2 into the head waterways, but they were easily removed.

I have only found and removed 11 so I think I have a couple more to find? Also there is one on the inlet manifold to do.

What is the best way to push in the new ones?
Should they go in flush or should they be submerged slightly?
Dave.

[tractorjames]

I just did mine. The block ones I chiselled one side inwards, the other side pivoted outwards and then they could simply be pulled out with pliers.
The head ones wouldn't cooperate so I brayed them inwards, wedged them against the inside of the head, gave them a shot on the edge with a blunt chisel to bend them and simply lifted them out with a magnet.

I usually knock them in flush with a smear of hylomar round the hole.

James

[stagmuffin]

hi Dave ,good news that you found dodgy plugs this is the norm and its worth doing . just tap the plugs flush I use a socket the fits inside the plug and that's usually sufficient and use as james said some hylomar or I use Loctite 577 as I get loads of it free !
steve

[Staggard]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]30381[/ATTACH]Thanks Steve (Stagmuffin) for recommending I replace my core plugs.
My core plugs looked immaculate and thanks to Steve's suggestion, I decided to replace them.
I found them harder to removed than I expected. I tried the technique with a self tapper screw and stilsons but found the core just dished outwards and the screw suddenly let loose. I then tried tapping them out with a hammer and chisel/screwdriver, my first couple were really hard work and the inside surface of the first couple out we're immaculate, and I did think of leaving the rest . Luckily I persisted, as a couple of the next ones were so rusted through on the inside, that they were paper thin.
I found the core plugs in the block were much easier to remove than the ones in the heads.
Despite being careful, I managed to knock 2 into the head waterways, but they were easily removed.

I have only found and removed 11 so I think I have a couple more to find? Also there is one on the inlet manifold to do.

What is the best way to push in the new ones?
Should they go in flush or should they be submerged slightly?
Dave.

I use a socket that fits inside the lip and knock them in square. Graham

[Staggard]

I use a socket that fits inside the lip and knock them in square. Graham

beaten by the muffinman

[Davenott]

Thanks James, Steve and Graham!
I actually have a day free tomorrow, so hoping to crack on with the engine.
Should I flush through the oil and waterways and if so what is the best way of doing this? [The engine is on a stand with the heads still on, but sump, timing cover and inlet and exhaust manifolds etc off]
Dave.

[stagmuffin]

beaten by the muffinman

you will be when I see you next !!

[stagmuffin]

unless you are stripping it down dave this will be difficult , if you are building then fill it with flushing oil and run it till hot then drain and fill with good stuff like vr1 ,re the coolant you could at the same time fill the system with water and a flushing agent ie, the types used in domestic heating systems to clean the internals run till hot do oil then when cooled flush out with cold water I would reverse flush as well as normal but remove the t/stat before you put the cleaner in it helps when flushing .then just put your normal antifreeze inhibitor mix in
steve

[tractorjames]

Only works if your stripping fully but ive just cleaned my block and heads. I took Core plugs out, hot pressure washer with soap down every water/oil orifice till it came clean, take it inside dry off fully with air line, again down all the holes and galleries, then a good coating of wd40 including down the holes.

Some prefer parts washer, dipping, chemical clean etc, but this is the method I use, not perfect but cheap and it works well for me!

James