Oil galley plug leak : Opinions?

[blcknspo0ln]

Well, i've been battling a crazy untraceable oil leak until now. I've located the oil leak to be coming right out of the oil galley plug and it also looks like the above freeze plug is leaking too. My question is, has anyone had experience with an oil galley plug leaking through the threads? I find it hard pressing that a plug such as that would be leaking so bad. The only times I ever hear of these leaking are if they are forgotten to be installed at all. Also, has anyone ever just put some JBWeld or something of the like in there to make the plug "solid". Would that even help given the expansion of the block on heat cycles?

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[project_tsi]

Interesting....

I've never seen that oil galley plug leak like that. I'd probably order a new OEM plug and try it. However, from the pic, it looks like the threads in the block are fubbared, am I correct? If so, that could be reasoning to the leak. If the threads are messed up, I would look into getting a slightly larger plug and drilling out and re-tapping the hole to ensure a good seal. The engine wasn't seeing crazy high oil pressure was it? But shit, I consistently saw 100+psi and never saw that leak.

As for the freeze plug, it looks like it may be slightly leaking. I'd pop it out, clean up the sealing surface, and install a new plug with freeze plug sealant.

 

[92awddsm]

I have only seen one leak like that. I removed it, cleaned the plug with brakeclean, swabbed the block out using brakeclean on a qtip, covered the threads with ultra gray rtv, and then reinstalled it. That was about 3 yrs ago and the plug has yet to leak again.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

Thanks for the advise guys. I'm going to clean it up and get a new plug and freeze plugs (mind as well do all 9 while i'm at it). What are your opinions on the JBWeld solution? Sounds retarded to me but I'm getting pretty desperate to prevent another leak (Ruined my entire 07 racing season, btw).

 

[bigjdog84]

Its NPT, no need to tap it to a bigger size. Tap it further with the NPT tap and remove all debris. Make sure you have oil on the tap so the shavings stick to it. Use a new npt plug with hardening sealant.

Are you sure you are losing coolant from there? I would suggest pressurizing the system and taking a closer look at it. Freeze plugs generally pop out and cause a pretty mess, rather than slowly leaking.

 

[92awddsm]

Its NPT, no need to tap it to a bigger size. Tap it further with the NPT tap and remove all debris. Make sure you have oil on the tap so the shavings stick to it. Use a new npt plug with hardening sealant.

Are you sure you are losing coolant from there? I would suggest pressurizing the system and taking a closer look at it. Freeze plugs generally pop out and cause a pretty mess, rather than slowly leaking.

Actually, if core plugs are not properly sealed when installed, they can and will seep coolant until replaced.

 

[steve]

Permatex has a "pipe" thread sealant that is like thread locker that should work on the allen plug.
You'll need to clean up the threads and flush out any oil with brake cleaner before using it.
http://www.permatex.com/products/au..._Permatex_High_Temperature_Thread_Sealant.htm

 

[bigjdog84]

Actually, if core plugs are not properly sealed when installed, they can and will seep coolant until replaced.

ACTUALLY, on these blocks they generally work their way loose and pop out due to pressure if they are leaking (if the car is driven--which it looks like it has been).

This is why I suggested to pressurize the system.

However, this block looks like it was a shoddy build to begin with, I wouldn't be surprised if the plug was used/warped and/or sealant wasn't used.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

ACTUALLY, on these blocks they generally work their way loose and pop out due to pressure if they are leaking (if the car is driven--which it looks like it has been).

This is why I suggested to pressurize the system.

However, this block looks like it was a shoddy build to begin with, I wouldn't be surprised if the plug was used/warped and/or sealant wasn't used.

Just because a bit of grey RTV was used doesn't mean the build was shoddy. Besides, this shortblock was built by a DSMLink member and the RTV was used by dogboxracing. I suppose I can't really get offended because I didn't build this block. This time, she's going back for all new freeze plugs, new galley plug and a fresh deck.

 

[gsx951]

Are those plugs NPT or BSP, as with other plugs on the engine?

I have Loctite/Permatex 518 gasket eliminator that originally I bought for rebuilding the jet pumps on our SeaDoos that is great for this but the product Steve linked to looks like it's engineered just for this application.

 

[project_tsi]

As well as this for the plugs.

http://www.permatex.com/products/au...manent_Strength_Threadlocker_RED_Cup_Core.htm

 

[blcknspo0ln]

Permatex has a "pipe" thread sealant that is like thread locker that should work on the allen plug.
You'll need to clean up the threads and flush out any oil with brake cleaner before using it.
http://www.permatex.com/products/au..._Permatex_High_Temperature_Thread_Sealant.htm

As well as this for the plugs.

http://www.permatex.com/products/au...manent_Strength_Threadlocker_RED_Cup_Core.htm

Bah, I picked up the stuff Steve suggested for the BSP plug, but couldn't find any of the stuff you mentioned Dan. Thanks for the suggestions, though.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

Hate to bump my own thread, but it seems pointless to start a new one. I have my fresh rebuild on the road and it's leaking like a sumbitch again. As steve suggested, I cleaned out the threads and put the permatex high temp sealant in with a new plug and it still leaks WTF Has anyone used core/cup (the red threadlocker) sealant? I'm pretty much out of ideas on how to seal this thing.

 

[bigjdog84]

use a mild steel plug or a galvanized plug and remove the coating, then weld it up.

 

[GVR4592]

I've used a loctite product that's very similar to the permatex that Dan linked to. I would give it a shot.

 

[steve]

I'm surprised it didn't work for you. How clean was everything and did you mix up the sealant well?
I used it for my oil feed for the turbo and it sees the same pressure as that plug with no leaks.

It does need at least 24hours to set.

 

[tqmx1]

use a mild steel plug or a galvanized plug and remove the coating, then weld it up.

Man I was going to say the same thing but it just sounds so tacky but man it would sure stop the leak and rember to grind it flat or you will have a heck of a time bolting the trans back on.

 

[90laserRSfwd]

^^^ yep^^^

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

What is the part number for that oil galley plug? And there is only one right?

James

 

[turbosax2]

MD040338

Yup, just one listed.

 

[1fastlaser]

i would just weld it, but thats my opinion. There is nothing worse then a leak, and i will do anything to stop it even if i had to weld the block to the head

 

[desolateboosted]

Me too, if you've been at this plug for this long now I'd weld it and call it done. Something just isn't right. I think your case is unique to the block you have.

You'll know if you have any leaks after welding. It won't be the oil galley plug.

 

[BoostedTalonTS]

Older thread, I know but there is some good info here guys... thanks! -I had this oil gallery plug leak on a fresh motor as well. -What a minor PITA.

As far as the welding option goes, I don't know if that would be any better then using the sealant. -At least the sealant is designed to work with different types of metals... I don't think that welding a steel plug into an iron block would seal all that great. -Wouldn't attempting to weld the different metal types prevent a solid, leak-free weld?

 

[ivan98gst]

geez i have the same problem with my galley plug, and it ruind my year old act clutch kit. has any one found the right fix?

 

[BoostedTalonTS]

I ended up using a slightly longer hex plug & A LOT of thread sealant, after thoroughly cleaning the threads with brake cleaner & a small Dremel wire wheel.

You can find these longer hex plugs on any 1g intake plenum. These (2 per plenum) are originally used for blocking off the crankcase vent passage that leads to all 4 runners. These plugs then reseal the passage after it is drilled as part of the original plenum's construction.

I didn't screw one of these longer hex plugs in as far as I could have (didn't want to block off hte main seal's oil galley) but in a bit further then what the more shallow version of this plug would go... May be 2-3 more rotations.

So far, no more leaks