WELSH PLUGS ---- how to replace etc

[NIZLAH]

So before I chuck my 20v in the 86 I thought it may be a wise idea to replace the welsh plugs....
(unless the silvertop comes with brass plugs standard?)

I don't think this is the case so anyways... where can I get replacements? like are they a fairly universal item (was looking at some at supercheap the other day and they seemed to be the same size)

next how/what is the best/easiest method of removing them, and what type of sealer do I use when putting the new ones in?

Cheers ladz

Niz

[Marco]

best way to replace them. is to hammer a screw driver through it and lever it out. We use a sealer called stag at work. im sure there is something better out there. some one on this site will probablt know the name. and no they aren't really a universal fit. maybe call rapeco with an engine number?

[Jonny Rochester]

They are universal, in that they are sized to a metric size in mm. So for example, if the hole is 32mm, you go to any car shop and ask for a 32mm plug.

I think I have used silicon on them, but almost any sealant should do as they should come close to sealing on their own.

[KE70]

Remember to use a socket the same size to bash them back in.

[NIZLAH]

cool, cheers for the tips guys..

[sundee]

just for the dummies whats the purpose of the welsh plug?

[NIZLAH]

Not too sure on their exact purpose, but I do know that if shit coolant (ie:water) has been used over time or they have been sitting for some time without coolant to prevent oxygen contact then they have a tendency to corrode from the inside out.....

Also.... If I were to drill a hole in them for leverage rather than bash a screwdriver through them ( a little less brutal) would the metal shavings from drilling be an issue, or would these flush out when a hose is put through the coolant passages? (before a rad is hooked up)

[blinded]

To get mine out, using a screwdriver and hammer, tapped the outside lip on one side and it in turn made the opposite side pivot out. then just pull it out. Did the first one with the bashing a screwdriver through it but the other way seemed to work easier.

(if you understand my shit description)

[NIZLAH]

yeah that makes perfect sense dude..

[NIZLAH]

ok so I just removed one of the welsh plugs from the block (almost lost it inside the block lol)
It has no sign of corrosion and looks fine.... is it worthwhile taking out and replacing the rest of them as I am assuming that they would all be the same...... correct?

[lo_rolla]

You still in brisbane man? You in a hurry?

Why do you want brass?
If you wanted I could do it for you at work?

[Jonny Rochester]

The holes are to let the sand out of the water cavity.
The blocks are cast in sand molds.

[NIZLAH]

You still in brisbane man? You in a hurry?

Why do you want brass?
If you wanted I could do it for you at work?


Brass so they don't corrode dude, Yeah still in Brissy, but I think Ive got it under control, cheers for the offer though champ... engine is currently on a stand, and I found it pretty easy getting the first welshy out....
Just wondering now if its worth doing the rest since the one I removed looked fine and could have stayed in there...

Jonny, cheers mate, that explains it..

[lo_rolla]

Welch plugs hardly ever fail, as long as the water had corrosion inhibitor in it.

Before putting the new one in be sure the surface is clean, give it a buff. Use a sealant and something that sits nicely in it - like a socket and hit it in so the top of the plug is just below bottom of the chamfer.

[NIZLAH]

yep, that's what I thought, just don't know the history of the motor so I thought I would do them before I chuck it in... I don't think I will bother doing any of the other plugs as I'm guessing they will be sweet like the one I took out before...

[KE70]

If you already have them then just change them. I wouldn't take long to change all of them.

What I did is sprayed the block black and then installed the brass welsh plugs, looks so much better with them all shiny. We all know that guys like shiny things lol.

[NIZLAH]

Yeah I ended up taking them all out last night, didn't need to though, all of them were fine, but meh.... Just got back from supercheapass with new plugs, although I'm one short as they only had 4 left in the 35mm (back to another store tomorrow me thinks) sucks how they don't sell them individually...
My block is painted also, and shiny is awesome.... mm shiny

I got Permatex: Ultra Copper 101BR silicone gasket maker to seal them....
If anyone has a reason why I shouldn't use this stuff please advise, wasn't sure what to get so I got the one with the highest temperature and oil resistance etc...