Block core plugs
Posted: July 22nd, 2006, 4:30 pm
What are they for? To stop the block cracking if it freezes in winter? No.
Some functional purpose? Not really.
Core plugs are just a necessary feature of casting, without them you can't make some parts.
They should always be replaced on overhaul, because although they might look fine on the outside, they can be seriously corroded on the inside due to neglect of coolant & additive, in some cases wafer thin or just about to develop 'pin-inappropriate' holes.
Some firms use fabulous bolting systems to hold the core plugs in place, never quite understood the need, the plug should stay in merely as an 'interference fit', unless it is the wrong size for the bore. Must be some kind of high pressure cooling system to push out a core plug...
Some functional purpose? Not really.
Core plugs are just a necessary feature of casting, without them you can't make some parts.
They should always be replaced on overhaul, because although they might look fine on the outside, they can be seriously corroded on the inside due to neglect of coolant & additive, in some cases wafer thin or just about to develop 'pin-inappropriate' holes.
Some firms use fabulous bolting systems to hold the core plugs in place, never quite understood the need, the plug should stay in merely as an 'interference fit', unless it is the wrong size for the bore. Must be some kind of high pressure cooling system to push out a core plug...