Core plugs - What do you recommend?

polosteve · Post by **polosteve** » Tue Aug 09, 16 10:05 pm

Hi all,

Replacing the core plugs on a 318.

When replacing the core plugs do you put sealant on the outer edge?

If so what do you use?

Many thanks,

Steve

latil · Post by **latil** » Wed Aug 10, 16 7:05 am

First,always use brass plugs and don't forget the ones at the rear. I seal with either Wellseal, Shellac or clear silicone. Make sure the hole in the block is very clean and there are no burrs on the plug. Find a drift that fits the size of the edge of the plug and drive in perfectly square.

Prothed · Post by **Prothed** » Wed Aug 10, 16 9:17 am

+1
Hausers had brass plugs in stock when I needed some.

mad machs · Post by **mad machs** » Wed Aug 10, 16 9:47 am

+1 for brass core plugs & a dash of wellseal .

polosteve · Post by **polosteve** » Wed Aug 10, 16 9:55 am

Ace, thanks guys - I have some brass plugs ready and I understand there are two at the rear.

Wellseal is not something I have used before - better than standard silicone/instant gasket?

Im no engineer… but when was it ever a good idea to use a metal that corrodes, money I guess!

Thanks again,

Steve

latil · Post by **latil** » Wed Aug 10, 16 10:22 am

Wellseal is available at real motor factors,not Halfords. It is cleaned off using methylated spirit,much like shellac,it really probably is some form of shellac with a fancy name. My view is that it's much better than silicone as being alcohol based makes it nearly everything resistant!

http://www.wellseal.co.uk/ You can buy direct and likely £3 cheaper than factors.

shaungriff · Post by **shaungriff** » Wed Sep 28, 16 9:06 pm

mad machs wrote:+1 for brass core plugs & a dash of wellseal .

where do you guys get your brass core plugs from ? Thanks shaun

mad machs · Post by **mad machs** » Wed Sep 28, 16 9:25 pm

Real Steel list them

http://www.realsteel.co.uk/section4.pdf

Although I'm not really a fan of that particular organisation.

shaungriff · Post by **shaungriff** » Wed Sep 28, 16 10:44 pm

Ok thanks so you wouldn't recommend them ? Shaun

mad machs · Post by **mad machs** » Thu Sep 29, 16 10:07 am

shaungriff wrote:Ok thanks so you wouldn't recommend them ? Shaun

Sure they'll be fine sending out a packet of core plugs

Bit of 'history' between us involving a dispute a few years ago, never used them since.

shaungriff · Post by **shaungriff** » Fri Sep 30, 16 7:05 am

Thanks, I've got a slight leak on one but wanted to change as many as possible, I suppose to change them all it's an engine out job ? Shaun

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Fri Sep 30, 16 10:17 pm

Use brass, like everyone sez.
You can do them in situ with some components stripped down. I've seen John S and Birdman Chris replace the most difficult one behind the engine mount at the track. In fact I helped the boys do one at Shakey last year.

shaungriff · Post by **shaungriff** » Fri Sep 30, 16 10:59 pm

Thanks, I've ordered brass from real steel today