TR6 Unidentified fitting on TR6 Engine

[SherpaPilot]

I have a freshly rebuilt engine in my 72 TR6. An oil leak has developed from a threaded port directly above the oil filter assembly and directly below the fuel pump. It is not the pressure relief valve or the oil pump gaskets. Oil runs from this port to the top of the oil filter and to the floor. I confirmed this leak using a small amount of baby powder. No mention of this port is made in any of my maintenance manuals or on any parts site such as Moss, BPNW or RF. The leak is definitely from this port which is in the engine block casting and contains a threaded bolt. Does anyone know what this port's function is? To fix this leak I will have to remove the fuel pump and refit the port's bolt/washers and seal it. Does anyone know what I'm talking about or have I entered the twilight zone?

 

[charlie74]

If it is directly above the filter (housing) in this picture you can see mine was blocked off and that was like that from the factory. I had a pretty bad leak from the downward facing oil gallery plug above and to the right of the brass threaded collar and that was cured by using a steel one that Goodparts sell. Unfortunately I had to buy a complete set but if that is your problem location I can send you one and hopefully that will work for you. There is a larger one in the set too and if we can determine whether it will fit in the blanked location you can have it if you like…
IIRC on EdH’s website (bullfire.net) he goes through blanking off the larger hole; you might like to have a look at that too.
regards,
c

Edit: with thanks to EdH:

 

[SherpaPilot]

Charlie, That is exactly my problem. Also, I also made a mistake in my descripion. I referred to the oil filter as oil pump (guess I was tired). Anyway, I have been chasing this oil leak for a couple of days, first thinking it was the filter adapter which I changed out. Oil is escaping from the engine and running down the top of the oil filter by way of this plug failing. I'll start this repair tomorrow. Thanks for the photos and suggested fix.

 

[charlie74]

No worries, your description was just fine! I had a look at the gallery plugs that I have and I don’t think they’re going to fit…perhaps Ed’s way will work for you it’s just a drag that that plug is a PITA to get to…! Hopefully more experienced members will share a simpler solution