Core Plugs

Post by **katiekat** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:16 am

I went to top up the radiator with water and it all poured out of the left hand side of the engine block!

I thought it might need a core plug refitting so I have ordered some from ESM spares.

Are they hard to fit? How would I fit one in? Or am I totally wrong and the problem is with something else?

I had a look in the manual but couldn't find anything.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Post by **DAVIDMCCULLOUGH** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:25 am

Generally they leak a bit before they fail and leave a rusty trail on the side of the block. Easy enough to change, remove the old one by hammering a screwdriver through it and pulling it out!! Clean up the edges of the hole well as they are interference fit, pop the new one in rounded side out and tap into place. Easy....... The one at the back is more awkard because of the stuff around it.

Post by **katiekat** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:28 am

Thanks David. That sounds quite easy.

Post by **katiekat** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:34 pm

Well it went in easy but it's still leaking.

Do I need to hammer it so that it's flat so it jams into place?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 9:12 pm

Yes! A smear of sealant is also a good idea - and of course clean the hole thoroughly before you start. It needs a good 'bash' in the centre (but not so much it goes flat!) to keep it in place.

Post by **d_harris** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:46 pm

What type of sealant would that be BMC?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:57 pm

Probably best with something like Hermatite - but wipe away any excess!

Post by **katiekat** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:16 am

Thanks a lot for the advice!

Post by **stevey** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:24 pm

Remember if in doubt...... hit it!!

Post by **katiekat** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 8:05 pm

Ok, I'll hit it!