Expansion plug leak

bc · Jan 21, 2021

Hello guys. Was trying to find a place for a block heater on my Ford 1500 tractor, removed this 45mm plug in the block and realized I was looking at the camshaft and not water. Got a replacement plug at Oreallys for 53 cents. Put it in and pounded on the center with a punch to spread it. Now it has a slight leak at the bottom and the parts list doesn't show an oring there. Is there some trick to installing those expansion plugs? Thanks. This is just a round concave piece and not a cup style freeze plug. I think it is also the cheapest part I've ever bot.

Steve@Advance · Jan 21, 2021

Just dig it out and try again with a little sealer around it.

I would use automotive silicone. Clean the oil out with brake cleaner first.

deeretails · Jan 21, 2021

I always use a little gasket sealer around any plug.

DoubleO7 · Jan 21, 2021

I always shine up the hole where the core plug will seal against until smooth and shiney.
Then smear hole with sealant in case there are any pits or pores in the casting.
Then install new plug.
Do not reuse previous plug.

rustred · Jan 21, 2021

things must be squeeky clean. then put a light smear of blue locktite . then you use the proper punch to expand it. punch needs to be at
least 1/2 the diameter or bigger of the plug. brass one works good. just smack it so it flat and not to overdo it. now you got to get another
plug and do it again.

David G · Jan 21, 2021

Agree with rust red, must be clean and oil free, I always wipe down with brake clean.

bc · Jan 21, 2021

Ok. Thanks guys. Got it now. Another fiddy cents. The other problem is that it is behind the starter so I can only hit it at an angle but I find some kind of dutchman to stick in between it and the starter. Maybe a knuckle joint from a socket set.

Expansion plug leak

bc

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Steve@Advance

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deeretails

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DoubleO7

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rustred

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David G

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bc

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