Engine rebuild ???

[nomad]

I need to rebuild a 1275 and was wondering if I should go to the trouble of removing all the oil gallery plugs, tapping and getting ready to fit new plugs before it go'es to the hot tank? The block is a clean used block. Other engines I've rebuilt I have always cleaned the oil passages very carefully but they have not been so involved as the passages in a 1275.

Kurt.

 

[Gerard]

Kurt, it's something I always do (well, that the machine shop does). I think it's warranted even if the block has been tanked as in my experience, that's not good enough to clean out those passages well. I will tell you not to bother with whats currently available for gallery plugs. This cheap metal caps don't seal well, and I've had them leak immediately. I have brass plugs machined that are exact copies of the original. If you use pipe plugs, be careful they are installed too far. There is a passageway that can be blocked if you put them in to far. Typically the plugs are too long and the have to be faced to leave a flush surface.I guess that depends on what plugs you find/use.

 

[nomad]

Hadn't considered the plugs going in too far! I have used allen head set screw's loctited in in the past in places. Can you tell me which ones are a concern? Would use pipe plugs where pipe plugs can go.

Kurt.

 

[Gerard]

As original, no pipe plugs are used, only press fit brass plugs. Racers typically use pipe plugs, but the holes need to be tapped with a bottoming tap. I'm not use if any drilling is required or if the original hole size can be fitted by just tapping the hole. I leave this to the machine shop. For reference, my reproduction press fit brass plugs are exactly .500" dia. by .307" deep

 

[nomad]

Thank's Gerard....I'll see what I come up with.