Weeping core plugs - Rover V8

[shed driver]

After getting my 1973 P5B coupe onto the ramps and giving the lower part of the engine a really good degrease and clean I've noted that there's an oil weep from some of the core plugs.

The engine has been replaced over ten years ago and I think that it's probably a 3.5 from a later vehicle - possibly Land Rover.

Are the core plugs generic or do I need to get plugs specific to the engine block?

SD.

[finlo]

I think they come in a range of standard sizes.

[paintman]

Don't know if this is of any help?
https://lrcat.com/#!/1230/73417/74385/5971/74623

Click on the blue numbers & the part number for most will popup.
All still available.

[hellorent]

Are you sure it's oil weep, AFAIK core plugs normally seal the water jacket.

[shed driver]

I thought so too, but there is definitely oil. No evidence of head gasket failure, so maybe it's further up and just gathering round the plug. More investigation needed.

SD.

[100SRV]

There are core plugs front of block for the cam follower oil gallery, approximately 1/2" OD. They are inside the front cover though.

[Panamax]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Older engines weren't as oil tight as modern ones. If you're using a lighter oil than old Duckhams 20w-50 that might increase the tendency to leak without delivering any benefits.

[shed driver]

Panamax said:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Older engines weren't as oil tight as modern ones. If you're using a lighter oil than old Duckhams 20w-50 that might increase the tendency to leak without delivering any benefits.

Old school 20W/50, changed every twelve months (about 3000 miles) - probably overkill, but oil is cheaper than an engine rebuild.

The amount deposited on the drive appears to have increased over the last few months.

SD.

[100SRV]

Could the oil leak be from the sump gasket and airflow when in motion blows it to collect in the core plugs. I think all the core plugs along the side of the block are coolant galleries.

https://classicroverforum.net/index.php?threads/co...

I noticed my RV8 needs to have the sump bolts nipped up more often, actually considering removing them, degreasing then using thread lock rather than relying on spring washers.

Edited by 100SRV on Sunday 12th October 22:48

[Panamax]

shed driver said:

The amount deposited on the drive appears to have increased over the last few months.

Fair enough. That's a good marker.