Robin Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 I've just noticed a small water leak dripping down the engine block. At first I thought it might be a blown cylinder head gasket but on closer inspection I think it might be leaking from a core plug (photos attached). If it's the latter, is it it a complicated job to replace the plug and a also where would I get a replacement? One other thing - the leak only seems to occur after the engine has stopped, not while it's running. Is there any temporary sealer I could use? Many thanks Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juppy Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 It's not hard to replace them as long as they are the later dished type rather than the domed type called Welch plugs. I always use a bit of sealant around the new plug, either one of the Loctite range of products or Hylomar. They are available from Canleys, Fitchetts, Rimmers etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GT6M Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Manifolds off at the least and, replace all ye can see, as they will be all about rotted thru the ones ont end of cyl heed are doo,able in situ too butt involved due to restricted space The housing needs t,be really cleaned oot, ne gunge left in the holes where new plug is gonna go Use some sealing compund,like 574, AND, bung in a bootle of K Seal, as they will most likely leak at fust, till its sealed some doo, some dont there are also a couple b,int the frunt an rear end plates just hope they dont go, as its engine oot job NOTE, If ye try an shift the water pipe running along back oft blok, it,ll moer than likely snap off, or will twist an leak an going by the look of it, its ready t,go so either fit a new,n or better still, fit a stainless steeel one May also be stuk into the adaptor int pump back too. good luk M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Not hard to remove or replace - dig the old one out (hammer a screwdriver through the middle and twist) and don't damage the block / head around it; clan up the aperture with a wire brush and then replace like for like with a little bit of sealer. I wouldn't use any sealant type additive as they just gum things up - make sure you keep the coolant well topped up and carry spare water just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Posted March 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Great - thanks for all the advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Posted March 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Not hard to remove or replace - dig the old one out (hammer a screwdriver through the middle and twist) and don't damage the block / head around it; clan up the aperture with a wire brush and then replace like for like with a little bit of sealer. I wouldn't use any sealant type additive as they just gum things up - make sure you keep the coolant well topped up and carry spare water just in case. Thanks Colin - Can you let me know payment details for the boot channel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djn Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Hi, I would suggest, while you have the manifolds off, changing the water pipe. From your photo, it looks a bit corroded. There are stainless steel replacements available out there somewhere. If one core plug has corroded through, its possible that the rest may not be far behind. Good luck with the repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted March 31, 2017 Report Share Posted March 31, 2017 Hi I recently changed the water pipe and purchased a stainless version from canleys. The fitting was fine though the stainless pipe was too big to take the olive. Filing the first inch to accept the olive went ok and no leaks . I don't think the olive was included Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 The olive is not a std plumbing size its for an outside diameter of 1/2" 13mm is the closest in metric and Not to be found in many diy stores pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Olive usually available from the same supplier as the pipe. I wonder if they use 13mm pipe now as more easily available/cheaper? who knows. I use a seal puller with core plugs, a useful tool and gets most out pretty easily. Yes, I know punching the core plug and a screwdriver works, but the puller is easier to use. Also handy for rubber seals! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 and to add, i wouldnt use a silcon/ slippery type sealer on core plugs they need to 'grip' or they can be pushed out by the coolant pressure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted April 1, 2017 Report Share Posted April 1, 2017 Thanks Colin - Can you let me know payment details for the boot channel? Oh Lord I had forgotten about those!! I'll PM you.... head like sieve these days.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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