Hi Folks

The engine is out on my 66-F whilst I get the gearbox reconditioned. Time to fix that oil leak that was dripping (slowly) from the flywheel cover.

When we took the flywheel off there was no obvious oil coming from the centre shaft. But some traces of oil from the two plugs on the left (see photo).

What are these called? I've been calling them crankshaft plugs.

I believe new ones just tap in place. Is there a trick to removing them?

And I see there are aluminium ones available and it's suggested you weld these in place. Are there stainless steel plugs available that you can tap into place with some sealant around?

I've been in touch with Van der Laan and they don't stock them. Anyone know where to get these?

Thanks in advance.

Tim

I believe that they exist to blank off the unwanted access from the machining of the oil galleyways. Without them - no oil pressure.
They are known to pop out on tuned / higher reving engines and so are welded in.

If they are secured just clean them to remove any grease and apply some permatex cold weld to seal them. It will last until next overhaul no need to replace.
Thomas

Hi Tim; good to 'see' you around again. I think that you will find that the bigger of the plugs is used to blank off the cam-shaft bearing--as Andrew said--no plug, no oil pressure! Another 'securing agent' that you could use is "JP Weld" (do you get that in NZ?)--it is a 2-part metal, which I have used very successfully to stop leaks on old marine engines (a case of cure it or scrap it, as new parts are no longer available). Gently tap centre of the plug to ensure that it is full expanded into its bed, then clean up the plug and surrounding area with a spirit, so no residue is left, and roughen up the surface of the plug and surrounding are to give the epoxy a good surface to grip to. As it is OUTSIDE the crankcase, if the epoxy comes off, it will just drop down behind the flywheel.

Are you sure they were leaking? I believe that when those core plugs are fitted at the factory they applied some sort of sealant that sets as a hard brown deposit and can give the impression of an oil leak.

Toshi 975 said:

Are you sure they were leaking? I believe that when those core plugs are fitted at the factory they applied some sort of sealant that sets as a hard brown deposit and can give the impression of an oil leak.

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Yes., I can conform that and it's a right slop. In my case there are traces all over the place...crankshaft etc.

They're called core plugs, they allow the casting cores in the block to be supported in manufacture. They generally come in standard sizes and you can find them on eBay etc. If you replace, knock them out from the inside, lightly dress the bore to smooth it out and fit new using a light smear of retaining compound (loctite 648 or similar).

Out of interest, is there any actual compression involved to physically keep them on. When I was last looking they looked much less substantial than a standard core plug.

fiat500 said:

Out of interest, is there any actual compression involved to physically keep them on. When I was last looking they looked much less substantial than a standard core plug.

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I've encountered similar plugs which weren't fitted in the normal way ( i.e. fit and then tap centre to expand as per e.g. coolant jacket core plugs) but were peened or had the surrounding metal lip rolled over to lock in place at the factory. These types were not meant to removed/replaced.

Unless there is a need to remove for cleaning behind, I think I'd just follow the advice of others above and apply a suitable sealer/bonding agent.

Al.

Thanks for all the responses.

Will probably seal and see how we go.

Tim