Weeping Rear Welch Plug

[LandyDude]

G'day Everyone

Getting Arthur ready for his next outback trip. One issue I have had for a while is a weeping rear welch plug (the one on the back of the block that's impossible to get to ). I've got by on the last trips using 'Bars Leaks'. Since the next trip is planned over to Lake Gairdner SA and has the potential to be hotter, I'm worried about the plug giving way when I least want it to.

I understand this plug is a real bugger to replace. So am contemplating making a hole in the firewall to get to it as I've heard it can be done this way.

I'd love to hear of any tips, tricks, better ideas, warnings etc. before starting something I might regret.

PS. I've already replaced the welch plugs on the side of the block when I last had the manifolds off.

[stevetd5]

You didn't say wether rear plug was in the head or the block. steel welch plug at rear should be able to be replaced as mentioned by cutting a hole (hole saw) in bulkhead. If its the one that screws into the head I would take the head off as there are others hidden by the manifolds and a number along side the pushrods under the rocker cover these should be checked also. No point in fixing one if the others are about to go.

[miky]

Seem to remember when I replaced the one at the back of the block there was a plate on the inside which had something about how to use the gears?

Just took the plate off and cut a hole, replaced the plug and screwed the plate back on.

It was an easy job even for someone (me) who at the time was not really that mecanocally minded.

Mike
ps. still can't spell..

[LandyDude]

Thanks Guys

It's the one block at the rear. Looks like a hole in the firewall is going to be the way. I'm hoping it comes out fairly 'easily'. Of course I know that's only wishful thinking and these 'little' jobs are always hard work. Better that though than it bursting on the next trip.

[LandyDude]

While I'm summoning up the courage to start this 'simple little job', does anyone happen to know what size the welch plug is (it the one on the back of the block)?

Figure I should get the plug before I start

[d@rk51d3]

I'll see if I can find a tape and duck out an measure it now.

[d@rk51d3]

OK. Found some calipers instead..............

Welch plug at the back of the block is 35mm (measured 35.1)
then there's 3 under the exhaust manifold that are 50mm.


EDIT - These were measured in-situ, so they may need to be a touch larger to be a tight fit???????

[LandyDude]

OK. Found some calipers instead..............

Welch plug at the back of the block is 35mm (measured 35.1)
then there's 3 under the exhaust manifold that are 50mm.


EDIT - These were measured in-situ, so they may need to be a touch larger to be a tight fit???????

Thanks for measuring.

Seems to me thenthat it's a 1-1/4" since it would be an imperial measurement. Hopefully not too hard to come by.

[d@rk51d3]

No, 1 1/4" is only about 32mm.



.......... unless you plan on packing it out with some thread tape.

[LandyDude]

No, 1 1/4" is only about 32mm.



.......... unless you plan on packing it out with some thread tape.

Doh! I misread the 35 as 32.

35.1mm is approximately 1.382" . It's an odd size, which doesn't seem to be an imperial fraction measurement. 1-25/64" is getting close at 1.384"