Thread: Have to change Welch plugs - V8

first I've heard of this problem on a V8 on here,,
plenty of "old hands" around,,
where's uncle ho when he's needed


whats the new job????????

Originally Posted by Quiggers

the mechanic said the welsh plugs need to be replaced.

Much better if you replace the welch plugs!

They are easy to replace if the engine is out. I just pulled them out of the V8 block I'm having top-hat linered.

In my case I had the right tool for the job - a slide hammer with a screw tip. I punched a hole into the plug, screwed in the slide hammer tip then oulled them out with a thwack of the sliding weight.

Sometimes they can be a pig to remove.

However, if the side plugs are leaking, it's also possible the two rear ones are also leaking - they are in the bellhousing and require engine or gearbox removal as you can see in this pic (one each side just above the flywheel).

Bash 'em in and lever them out, get your newies using a nice fitting socket, smear them with a soft setting goo, knock them in gently and SQUARELY

Thanks Ron, I made them Welsh, just for you

At 291,000 ks, this was what the boys came up with after an hour of 'very serious' checking.

1). Seal leaking in steering box - I have the seal, just have to fit it..

2). Suspect right wheel bearing.

3). Crack in (original) exhaust pipe, prior to centre muffler

The Welch plugs were not serious enough to warrant a note on the RTA - Safety Check Report.



They (there were two mechanics) even went as far as pushing all engine and gearbox mounts with a huge steel bar, banging the suspension and steering parts with a rubber hammer and pushing and shoving everything in the engine bay.

The brakes got a serious hammering. Full rust check, using a poker. Checked all bushes, everyone they could find. Propshafts were pushed and pulled. CVs were twisted, you name it, they went after it!

The rest of this aging Disco was 'no problem'.

Overall, pretty damn good!

I suppose I should look at this 'adventure' as the best money spent - $31 for a NSW pinkslip - and the Disco is in pretty damn good shape...

But.... the Welch plugs...

I'm not in a hurry to remove the engine, tho'...given my new job will mean less time to fix stuff...

If the motor has to come out, then I have several options:

1). take a while and give the D1 a serious go over
2). sell it and get a later Disco


trouble is, this could not have come at a worse time.....

i'm driving to sydney on sunday arvo...

cheers, GQ

Removing the engine is no big deal. If you were down here, I'd help you. My engine crane needs a workout.

Ron

Originally Posted by p38arover

you can see in this pic (one each side just above the flywheel).

I understand about the fly wheel but why is there red paint on the pressure plate?

Thank you Ron, I appreciate your offer.

Just been out, did about 10ks and there's a temp gauge going up, and a hissing from under the right exhaust manifold, grrrrr.....

And there's water p1ssing out of a Welch plug........

GQ

Originally Posted by Quiggers

Thank you Ron, I appreciate your offer.

Just been out, did about 10ks and there's a temp gauge going up, and a hissing from under the right exhaust manifold, grrrrr.....

And there's water p1ssing out of a Welch plug........

GQ

They must have touched 'em!

Replace just the ones you can get to. Don't worry about the rear ones until you have to.

Ron