What is the best and or easiest way to install the core plugs in the block on an A series
Core Plug Replacement
Started by
llewy
, Jul 07 2009 09:31 PM
6 replies to this topic
#1
llewy
-
- Noobies
-
- 5 posts
Just On Tickover
- Local Club: NZ Mini 7Association
Posted 07 July 2009 - 09:31 PM
#2
bmcecosse
-
- Members
-
- 9,699 posts
Crazy About Mini's
- Local Club: http://www.srps.org.uk/
Posted 07 July 2009 - 09:34 PM
Clean the opening very carefully - smear the edges with red hermatite or similar - fit the core plug - and bang it HARD in the centre. Wipe away excess hermatite!
#3
Retro_10s
-
- Members
-
- 10,138 posts
Moderator
- Location: Bromsgrove
Posted 07 July 2009 - 09:38 PM
Also - when you start to knock the new plug in - use a suitable sized socket as a drift - this will knock it in nice and straight.
#4
Dan
-
- TMF+ Member
-
- 21,354 posts
On Sabbatical
Posted 07 July 2009 - 11:09 PM
Well there you go, two different answers. Both valid and each relating to one of the two different designs of plug used on the A series and A+ engines but neither saying which type of plug they refer to!
There are cup type and dome type core plugs used. Both types are used on both engines but whichever type a particular block is machined for is the type it must use. The bores for the dome type are shallower. Blocks were specifically machined to use one type or the other but the type in use changed a few times over the years.
For domed plugs, as bmcecosse said, hit them in the centre hard. Preferably with a domed hammer. You are trying to expand the edge of the plug to lock it in place. Don't dent them. They are a pain to deal with and you are never sure if they are in tight enough until the engine is running and not leaking. You don't need to put this type in with a drift, they'll be square anyway because they are a fairly loose fit until you hit them and they will lie in the bore very well on their own.
For cup type plugs use a drift to make sure they are in square and flat, as Retro says. Don't hit them in the centre as for the other type because if you deform this type you will reduce the diameter rather than spread it out. Make sure they sit fully home against the lip of the bore. Sockets make a good drift for plugs.
There are cup type and dome type core plugs used. Both types are used on both engines but whichever type a particular block is machined for is the type it must use. The bores for the dome type are shallower. Blocks were specifically machined to use one type or the other but the type in use changed a few times over the years.
For domed plugs, as bmcecosse said, hit them in the centre hard. Preferably with a domed hammer. You are trying to expand the edge of the plug to lock it in place. Don't dent them. They are a pain to deal with and you are never sure if they are in tight enough until the engine is running and not leaking. You don't need to put this type in with a drift, they'll be square anyway because they are a fairly loose fit until you hit them and they will lie in the bore very well on their own.
For cup type plugs use a drift to make sure they are in square and flat, as Retro says. Don't hit them in the centre as for the other type because if you deform this type you will reduce the diameter rather than spread it out. Make sure they sit fully home against the lip of the bore. Sockets make a good drift for plugs.
#5
llewy
-
- Noobies
-
- 5 posts
Just On Tickover
- Local Club: NZ Mini 7Association
Posted 07 July 2009 - 11:58 PM
Thank you for your replies.
Thats how I fitted to dome type some sealent made sure there were home then hit them with a hamner. I just wasn't sure it that was best as it seamed a bit hit and miss. As usual the last one was the best, but I can always do them again if they leak.
Cheers llewy
Thats how I fitted to dome type some sealent made sure there were home then hit them with a hamner. I just wasn't sure it that was best as it seamed a bit hit and miss. As usual the last one was the best, but I can always do them again if they leak.
Cheers llewy
#6
bmcecosse
-
- Members
-
- 9,699 posts
Crazy About Mini's
- Local Club: http://www.srps.org.uk/
Posted 08 July 2009 - 09:28 AM
Well done - and yes - I was thinking of the dome type - the 'buckets' are fairly obvious I think!
#7
Minitrio
-
- Members
-
- 420 posts
Speeding Along Now
- Location: Nr Didcot
Posted 08 July 2009 - 09:28 AM
22mm socket, is what you need. Just done both plugs on my MPI.
It's not an easy job with engine in situ. Order a extra one, just in case you bugger it up, like i did. It was annoying having to wait a few days for another one to be delivered.
Just remember to hit it HARD, but square!
Good luck
It's not an easy job with engine in situ. Order a extra one, just in case you bugger it up, like i did. It was annoying having to wait a few days for another one to be delivered.
Just remember to hit it HARD, but square!
Good luck
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
