The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Core / Freeze Plugs

I'm removing my core plugs prior to cleaning the engine thoroughly.

There's the two big ones on the side. The two small ones on either end of the oil galley, the one big one on the end of the cam shaft, the big one on the front center, and what appears to be a bing one on the back center.

On my engine, this one on the back center looks different. It's domed outwards instead of dished inwards. Is this a core plug? I don't want to start hammering on it and end up breaking my block. Is it installed backwards? Should I install the new one this way?

When buying new plugs, are brass ones better than the steel ones? Permatex #2 the best thing for sealing the new plugs?

Thanks!

The one behind the camshaft is an oil gallery plug. The plugs that are dished are installed in the convex orientation. The idea is to flatten it out some so that it expands. It sits against a little lip in the block. I would use some type a sealant, maybe locktite.

To remove them you can use a small punch. Put a hole in it and lever it out.

In the factory they had a tool to install them. If one has been replaced, it might look a little different. Also, I think some of the plugs are the type with sides and they are installed with the face inwards.