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I drained the rad for winter but when I opened the block drain tap nothing came out. I removed the drain tap figuring I could clean out the sediment with a dental pick. The sediment seems to have hardened like concrete. It's difficult to get down into that area with the header and carb heat shield blocking the way. Anyone have any ideas on how to get the crud out? I wonder how much space there should be between the bottom of the taphole and the casting below it? I should get some liquid coming out even with the rad drained ,correct?
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TR2/3/3A Plugged 3A block drain?
- Thread starter karls59tr
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Yes, you should get LOTS of liquid out. Try a small screwdriver or pick and some fairly gentle taps with a hammer; it will break free!
TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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However, the cavity behind the hole isn't all that deep. If you have penetrated 3/8" or so below the surface of the block, then you are probably up against the outside of the #4 cylinder liner and need to start working to the top or sides.
Last time I used a piece of coat hangar wire, which I beat flat on the end (to form a sort of spade drill) and then bent a curve so I could wiggle the end up and down to turn the spade slightly.
You may have to remove the rear carb to get access.
If the problem is severe and you're shutting down for the winter anyway, you might want to consider pulling the liners and cleaning out the crud. It can be done without pulling the engine, although it drops an awful mess onto the crankshaft that you'll want to be careful to clean up before putting things back together. I wrapped hand towels around the journals, so nothing could get into the oil holes.
TexasKnucklehead
Jedi Knight
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Don Elliott
Obi Wan
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That is very helpful to know. I had never seen or noticed that before.
TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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It's not likely you've damaged anything IMO. Those liners are pretty darn hard, not likely you'd break one with just a screwdriver & hammer; and some gouges on the outside are not likely to hurt anything.
The Fo8 gasket sits down in that machined area with the liner clamped firmly on top of it, so it would be pretty much impossible to damage the gasket without breaking the liner or (cylinder block) first.
The Fo8 gasket sits down in that machined area with the liner clamped firmly on top of it, so it would be pretty much impossible to damage the gasket without breaking the liner or (cylinder block) first.