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Removing and Replacing Oil Gallery Plugs


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Peter

 

Get the new ones in your hand before you start. (Was Pt No PU1404) USE Moss Europe 328-256 which is a stick of 4 - you will need that many so you can grip and ruin the end one with a pair of Mole Grips to wind into the block good and tight with a smear of RTV sealant, the one you will then saw off flush in the block.

 

Have a tap of the correct size to clean the block thread once they are out. Just in case there is any broken bits of aluminium left in there - 3/4" NF

 

To clear through the gallery front to back it is best to CAREFULLY remove the distributor shaft bush. Pt No 056405 at 40 quid a pop if you break it.

 

Here is a thread about doing these plugs in a 4 cyl TR (not wedge)

http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/49200-bad-engine-oil-leak/

 

Cheers

Peter W

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I've built over 20 x 4 cylinder engines and never removed them yet, you have to balance the desire to get in every where to clean and the ability to do so. On the basis that any bits that are in there won't come out with gunk and pressure washing down the galleries I've been quite content to leave sleeping dogs lie (if there are any "dogs" in there !).

On the plus side I've yet to have any damage caused by debris that could be linked with this practice, if they are there after 50 years they tend to want to stay there. You could have the block boiled but it will cream cracker all surfaces not cast, ie block camshaft bearings etc which will then ensure that you will be replacing them anyway, which may not strictly be necessary.

 

Mick Richards

 

Oh...Peter has beaten me to it with additional information.

Edited by Motorsport Mickey
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Hi Pete,

when I did my chums 4 pot last year the block came back from the machine shop having been 'cleaned' with steel plugs at the ends of the gallery.

 

These had been put in with a screwdriver - and leaked like a bl**dy great sieve.

 

They must be Ali in order to get them thread bound and sealed using Moles on the stick as described by PeteW above.

 

Roger

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Aluminium?

As fitted originally?

I have some old ones in a box and they rust.

John

Yes on a 4cylinder engine they are.

Stuart.

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Thanks guys,

 

I have had the block professionally cleaned. Not sure what process was used but the plugs are intact and look ok. As I'm a bit obsessive about dirt in the engine (yes I even line up all the cans of beans in the cupboard too) I think I will remove one and get the camera up there to check it out. I'm sure at my age, if someone removed my gallery plug and poked a camera up it would also probably be full of something unpleasant.

 

Regards Pete

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Yes on a 4cylinder engine they are.

Stuart.

Thank you, Stuart!

 

Any advice, from you or Roger (or anyone) on getting the steel ones "threadbound" and sealed, please?

John

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Hi John,

I don't know how the steel ones are supplied.

Ali come on a stick of 4 or more plugs with a blank end one for gripping with moles etc.

The steel ones in my block had iffy screwdriver slots cut in. There is no way you will get it threadbound with a screwdriver.

You could use a RTV sealant but why bother.

 

The Ali ones work very well every time.

 

Roger

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Hi guys,

 

just got the old alli plugs out and there was a fair bit of crud in there. Glad I removed them now.. Had to remove oil pump bush to make a good job of it but that drifted out ok without damage. I was going to use blue holimire non setting stuff ok?

 

Regards, Pete

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All I've ever seen on 6 cylinders have an Allen key socket in the back.

They can be so difficult to remove that you risk burring the socket, when all to be done is drill it out, so I don't usually bother.

But you can get them in tightly.

John

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Hi Roger,

 

No I took the advice above and acquired the alli ones. They are on a stick with a half inch square end so you can wind them in. I've had a little tickle with them and I think they will be a nice tight fit. I just wanted a belt and braises approach sealing them as well. After all they do have to take 80 psi (on a good day). I'm pleased I removed them now but it is essential to remove the oil pump drive bush to make a really good job of it. I wouldn't hesit again it's easy. Many thanks for all the responses.

 

Regards, Pete

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