Core plugs

[Humdog]

Has anyone had any experience replacing the core plugs on the side of the block. My BN4 Longbridge has one with a very small leak. I am looking for tips or guidence.
Thanks,
Humdog

 

[Keoke]

Has anyone had any experience replacing the core plugs on the side of the block.
My BN4 Longbridge has one with a very small leak. I am looking for tips or guidence.

1] Drain the cooling system
2] strip all interfering components off the side of the engine block.
3] Prise the leaky plug out .
4] Obtain a Brass Replacement of the correct size and install.
5] Hint: if one is bad and you just replace that one, the one next to it will get jealous and fail soon as you get the engine back together, SO do them all!-- :laugh:
Thanks,
Humdog

 

[tahoe healey]

Best way to pry one out is to punch through with a screw driver through the rusty leak hole and tilt it out. I did not want to to score the block prying at the edge. I'm guessing you could drill a hole first but I wouldn't want to add any metal flakes to the internal chambers. The replacement is suppose to be popped in with a hammer to reverse the curve. Thats always fun. There are copper expansion plugs that you tighten with a wrench.

 

[Michael Oritt]

John--

I have never had a leaky core plug on my Healeys but have on the Elva (MGA)engine.

It is sometimes nigh impossible to get a good whack at a replacement disc plug with the engine in situ and I would recommend a Dorman expandable plug. Carefully dress the flange in the block to make sure it is clean and free from rust, etc, put a small bit of Quick JB weld around the edge of the plug, get it seated and have at it with the appropriate size wrench and socket. You'll know if it seats correctly or not by the way it pulls up. Assuming a successful installation cover the whole plug with another thin coat of quick epoxy, wait for it to kick off and that should be that. I use these plugs on engines that I rebuild on the bench--I simply think they are better than the discs.

You can get Dorman plugs at any good auto store. Go here for more info: https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/cooling/cool_105a.htm