Essex Core Plugs

[GadgeS3C]

Have had a weeping core plug on the 3000M since last year - bodged it with some plastic metal which has keep it going but decided to sort it ahead of going to Le Mans Classic.

Have managed to knock a hole in the core plug (it's the one almost behind the dipstick) but struggling to lever it out. I'm sure perseverence will be the solution but anyone got any tips on removing it?

I'll be back shortly with a question on how to get the new one in, it's a bit tight for swinging a hammer! I am pondering whether a scissor jack against the chassis rails might work?


Having adjusted the doors yesterday, which was far easier than I expected, I may have been optimistic about this challenge

[heightswitch]

tap one side in and it will turn on its middle with one side in the block and one side out, you can then pull it out with grips
Don't be frightened of it
N.

[GadgeS3C]

Thanks - having watched some Youtube videos I think I'm being too gentle. But it is a bit tricky getting at it

As my Dad always said, the benefit of experience is knowing how big a hammer to use

[GadgeS3C]

Larger hammer used - core plug out. Now I just have to get the new one in...

[phillpot]

GadgeS3C said:

Larger hammer used - core plug out. Now I just have to get the new one in...

....... and sealed What are you using ? Hylomar

[GadgeS3C]

Hylomar was the plan - any other suggestions?

[heightswitch]

Get a nice socket that fits in the inside of the core plug. and tap home. personally not a fan of hylomar. I would use an RTV ford based silicone sealant
N.

[thegamekeeper]

GadgeS3C said:

Larger hammer used - core plug out. Now I just have to get the new one in...

putting it in the freezer before you fit it often helps.

[GadgeS3C]

thegamekeeper said:

putting it in the freezer before you fit it often helps.

Steve - thanks - it's currently sitting next to the frozen peas

Being the sad git I am I measured all the core plugs and picked the one with the smallest OD - 0.1mm on the OD matters!

[tr7v8]

GadgeS3C said:

Hylomar was the plan - any other suggestions?

On engines I build I've used araldite. Only a smear though. This is primarily for competition engines where they can pant out under stress. They do come out if needed.

[GadgeS3C]

Grrr - taking 5mins from trying to drift core plug in.

Have made a drift from some alloy tubing with a suitable size socket in the middle - so am pushing on edge of core plug not in dish. But not the easiest of jobs. The skin on my knuckles will hopefully grow back

Realise it's going to be one of those frustrating keep at it jobs but just paused for a rant!

[Astacus]

I thought the socket was supposed to sit in the plug rather than on the edge. At least that's the way I've done it. Might give you a few mm extra space to play with too.

[GadgeS3C]

Astacus said:

I thought the socket was supposed to sit in the plug rather than on the edge. At least that's the way I've done it. Might give you a few mm extra space to play with too.

Tried that approach first. That's how I've done it before but this ones being a git. Thought pushing on the edge might help with alignment.

Back for another go...

[heightswitch]

I don't want to teach anyone to suck eggs here but! are you sure you have the correct size plug...Over the years I have seen myriads of sizes of plugs some very very close to size but a smidge too large..Are you absolutely sure you have an essex plug and your supplier hasn't inadvertantly picked a cologne plug out of the box ??

N.

[GadgeS3C]

heightswitch said:

I don't want to teach anyone to suck eggs here but! are you sure you have the correct size plug...Over the years I have seen myriads of sizes of plugs some very very close to size but a smidge too large..Are you absolutely sure you have an essex plug and your supplier hasn't inadvertantly picked a cologne plug out of the box ??

N.

All advice gratefully received - I'd rather find I'm being dumb sooner rather than later!

Plugs are ~32.1mm OD which I believe is correct for an 1 1/4" hole (31.75mm) with a bit of interference.

They do seem to almost fit it's just hard getting it to start in square with the space available. Lots of small taps aren't as good as one big whack!

Round 2 tomorrow - I'll see if I can rig up a screw arrangement to see if I can drive it in.

Thanks for the advice,
Gary

[thegamekeeper]

Best advice us give up for tonight, been there so many times and it will all be different tomorrow. If you want to buy some beer at Le Mans give me a ring tomorrow

[GadgeS3C]

Well, that's sorted the b£$$%r! Core plug now in. Sadly it meant engine out!

Now I just have to get it back in ready to leave for the Classic on Weds...

Steve - many thanks for the suggestion. Tried it but even that wouldn't pull the git in. So decided to man up and do the right thing - pull the engine out. Still owe you a beer for the advice.

Edited by GadgeS3C on Saturday 30th June 19:49

[phillpot]

GadgeS3C said:

Core plug now in. Sadly it meant engine out!

Did you change 'em all while it was out ?

[GadgeS3C]

phillpot said:

Did you change 'em all while it was out ?

It's still out! No, I know the advice is to do them all but with limited time I've just had a good look at them and they all look OK. I know you can't really tell but I'm planning to do some more work on it over winter so expecting to pull the motor out again.

Getting the hang of it now

Anyway - surprised you've got time to post about core plugs, thought you were busy being smug about having one of those Taimar estate shopping cars

Edited by GadgeS3C on Saturday 30th June 22:26

[tomtrout]

When you do get round to changing them all please don't do what I did to an essex engine by walloping a "core plug" on the rearend of the engine (with a cold chisel and huge hammer) which was in fact the rear end of the cam shaft! The plugs look very similar! I know - only a tw*t would make that sort of mistake!!