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TR2/3/3A Aluminum oil gallery plugs

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sp53

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I started to fit the new oil gallery plugs into the block and found they were a very tight fit. I understand they need to be cut off and sealed, but my wrists are impressed on how tight they fit. I put only 4 threads in on my test fit and it looks 8 threads total, but I can almost see something breaking, maybe. The aluminum shaft should hold and the soft threads thread off and probably make the plug seal better. Anyways anyone else have this problem off everything being so tight. Old wrists might be the problem, and what did you use for a sealer?



Steve
 

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Perhaps you could take your plug to a hardware store and compare the diameter and threads to a standard hardware item, and buy a plug to take home and hand fit into the gallery threads. At least this would tell you which thread set is wrong.
Bob
 
I don’t know if the TR3 plugs and TR6 plugs are the same but I had a pretty bad leak from one of the aluminum plugs I got from Moss (the individual ones, not the stick like yours) so I ended up getting a set of steel ones from Richard Good. I coated the one with some petroleum friendly Permatex PTFE sealant and it’s good now.
 
Thanks for the advice guys I am getting old and losing my confidence. The aluminum plug was cut on a lath which left some loose metal and the highpoint of the threads comes to a sharp point which makes the fit tight. I worked the plug in by turning the plug in and out carefully. I cleaned the threads in the block with a curved pick, air, and WD40 that helped some. I am able to get the first 4 turns with channel locks on the plug end piece. Now I am thinking with 4 threads in the block to just go for it and force the last 4 threads into the block with some sealant. I can drill the plug out if something unwanted happens

My fear was no sealant is going to seal well because of the engine oil and WD40 I have sprayed into the hole to help the plug go into the hole. I really do not see this plug leaking because the plug is so tight, but with oil leaks on Triumphs, I do not have a great record. For me this is just one of those unsettling deals. I will have to try some of that oil friendly sealer.

Steve
 
Hi David did you get your plug from TRF? I got the aluminum stick from Moss. Sometimes TRF uses a local vender and their products are superior. It sounds like your plug did not look that bad, but oil got around the treads and caused the leak. I think I remember you posting you figured the leak out because the oil was going uphill under pressure.

steve
 
My plugs were actually a bit loose, but then I always chase all threaded holes when I do a rebuild.

If you got 4 threads in I would be satisfied with that. Saw it off even and you are good to go. I would use a thread sealant on them before installation, though, and leave the block threads dry or also coated with sealant.
 
I did get my plug from TRF.
When I was working on the engine I was still traveling a lot so I would be gone for weeks at a time. Coming back to the engine after a break I may have failed to seal it good the first time.
Oil was leaking from the joint between the block and front support plate.

David
 
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