core plugs

Tim Neville · Post by **Tim Neville** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 6:04 pm

I have to replace a core plug in one head. Is my best source JCC spares?
It's a long time since I've replaced a core plug - is it still best to put some sealant around the circumference and just give it a good tap in the centre? I remember last doing this about 40 years ago!!!
I'd be grateful for any advice.

TedAllen · Post by **TedAllen** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:07 pm

Hi Tim,
I think I have a few new ones in the workshop. Give me aring tomorrow on 07880 758377 and I'll send you one.
I clean the head with a rotary wire brush. FIT THE PLUG WITH A LITTLE SEALANT AND SPREAD IT BY HOLDING THE BALL OF A BALL PEIN HAMMER AGAINST THE CENTRE AND HITTING THE FLAT OF THE HAMMER WITH A HEAVIER ONE, i'VE HAD no trouble with leaks. Whoops, must have caught the caps lock....not typing it all again tho' Incidentally, talking of balls, a spare clutch lever pivot ball makes an excellent punch for cutting bolt holes when making gaskets.
Ted

Mike Allfrey · Post by **Mike Allfrey** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:49 pm

G'dday From The Clear Blue Sky Of The Sunny South,

Thought I would throw in a spot of advice re Welch (core) plugs.

For many years now I have been using brass Welch plugs with great success. I get the impression that zinc plated plugs are not as good as they used to be.

I use a smear of sealant just to make sure.

I have struck several instances where the ledge that the plug sits on, has, in places, corroded away. To fix this problem, I have a larger spot facing machined and use a larger diameter brass Welch plug.

As stated previously, a Welch plug needs to be struck squarely in the centre to achieve an even seal. Two hammer technique reminds me of an old workshop saying:

"When using a hammer and punch, to prevent hitting your thumb, hold the hammer with both hands." [i]Jimmy Groves, Uttoxeter, 1965.[/i]

Good luck with the search for Brass Welch plugs!

Mike Allfrey.

Tim Neville · Post by **Tim Neville** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:47 am

Many thanks. All info gratefully received. The idea of using brass seems to make sense.
Thanks for the offer Ted. I'll be in touch.

Bryan Walker · Post by **Bryan Walker** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:29 pm

For those who have not done this before the Austin 7 club as a good article on it.

http://www.austin7.org/core_plugs.htm

Bryan

TedAllen · Post by **TedAllen** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:22 pm

I spoke to Tim this morning and I have a plug ready to go in the post tomorrow. I get mine from my local motor factor and always keep a few in my gasket box but I am sure the quality is not that of yesteryear.
Tim and I discussed painting the inner surface but has anybody any thoughts on this or would any paint actually withstand the bashing, let alone the hot water and antifreeze ? I'm down to one plug now so will stock up this week with a few more.
Ted

Post by **Forumadmin** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 9:48 am

Zinc loaded paint they put on electricity pylons. Any metal paint for a boat.

TedAllen · Post by **TedAllen** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:22 pm

Thanks for that FA.
What colour would you recommend for the inner faces and if I bought 5 litres would that do for everyone in the club ?

Ted

Mike Allfrey · Post by **Mike Allfrey** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:12 am

G'dday From The Still Sunny South,

I would suggest selecting a paint colour that closely matches the colour of your coolant/antifreeze mixture. That way the plugs will be nicely camouflaged and the little Nasties that eat them won' be able to see them!

I'll stick with brass!

Mike Allfrey.