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MG MGA - expanding core plug

I met a fellow MGA owner at a show last Saturday. His car has blown the rear core ( freeze) plug. The only way to replace it with the correct type of plug is to pull the engine I know - but he has only just put it back in and doesn't want to go thro' that again for a while. Does anyone know of a source for the rubber/metal expanding type plug here in the UK? (Archive only mentions sourcing in USA) I also could do with having one as a spare in the tool kit just in case ( I had one blow on my GT some years back resulting in a recovery truck home)- Cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

I recommend Dorman Quick-Seal plugs. See here: http://www.mgnuts.com/mg/tidbits/tempfreezeplug/
Steve Simmons

I was under the impression you could pull the front bulkhead out and get to it from there, but I've just returned from the garage and that way looks difficult also- Gary
gary starr

Cam

You can get at it (just) by removing the metal bulkhead panel.

You have to remove the upper steering column, the accelerator cable and then extract the panel through the various pipes and cables. Then you use a long extension bar and BFH to pound the new plug into place.

It's a process that requires contortionist skills, and a second pair of hands at the BFH stage. If I were to do it again, I'd pull the engine as it would have been a lot faster.




dominic clancy

Thanks Dom & Gary - just as I thought- it's an engine out job - unless the Dorman quick seal plugs are readily available in UK - thanks for the link Steve - I will look them up - cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

Cam,

What would be the issue if I bought one for you and shipped it to you? I would be happy to do this. I could get to it before the end of the week if the local parts house has one in stock.

It might not be the quickest solution but certainly the easiest.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

Hi Chuck, Thanks for the offer - I might take you up on it - I could send dollars in the post ( I have some left over from our last holiday) - let me know how much they are by email - could do with 2 ( 1 for colleague and 1 for myself) Cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

I have contacted Cam off line but thought that this might be of general interest.

I have found this part on line here:

https://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/prt,42,568010

It is sold in packages of 5 but at this cost ($13.45 US + shipping), it might just be worth buying 5 and throwing 4 away ( or keeping them,or selling them at your local club meeting).

Might be just the ticket for those of us not close to a good auto store.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

Thanks for the link Chuck -I've put an order in with RockAuto - p&p to UK ( via Global) roughly doubled the cost. Will let you know when they arrive - hopefully I will be able to keep one for myself and trade on the surplus to other club members - Cheers Cam

Cam Cunningham

Hi - Just thought that I would let you know that the expanding core pugs arrived safely - just one week from date of the order - pretty good trans Atlantic service - I have now a couple of spares - any offers? Cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

This is what this board is for. Having one car owner helping another. When I read all the BS about what is original and being picky vs is it running and "Are you enjoying the car". Good job Chuck.

By the way Chuck, do you know the word game using the word Chuck, OPPS, can't do Chuck
JEFF BECKER

Cam, Glad things worked out. I am pleased to be able to help out.

Jeff, if you are referring to the 60's hit record "The Name Game" by Shirley Ellis....no, please tell me:>)

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

That's the song and like I said OPP'S can't do Chuck, how about trying Buck, Damm, can't do that one either!!!
JEFF BECKER

Just ordered a set of those core plugs as well

Mine is leaking, see picture.

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgarh/coreplug/coreplug.jpg

Regards, Koen
Struijk Koen

Good luck with the core plug - let us know how you get on with installing it - by the way my car(original RHD) was reimported from Holland in 1996 originally owned there by a Mr. Stevens. cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

Koen, It looks to me like you have more of a head gasket leak and it is collecting across the end of the block. Are you sure it is the core plug? I see the rust on the plug but it may be surface rust.

Chuck
Chuck Schefer

Yes it cerauainly looks like the source of the leak is elsewhere and just collecting a bit in the recess of the freeze-out plug.
A. Tirella

Clean the area off completely and then put a pressure tester on the radiator pumped up to near 20 psi and watch for fresh coolant . If it is the core plug this will make it leak. A head gasket may need to run to leak. Should be fairly easy diagnosis.
R J Brown

I'll have a look tomorrow. Thought about the head gasket actually, but guess I preferred the thought of a bad core plug over a blown head gasket:)

Re-tightening probably wouldn't help, anyway I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Regards, Koen

Struijk Koen

Back again! This morning I cleaned up the mess created by the leak. After a good run I took the following pictures.

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgarh/coreplug/mgcoreplug020.jpg

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgarh/coreplug/mgcoreplug026.jpg

Now I am confident it's the coreplug and not the head. Thanks for questioning it. I would have hated going through the trouble of installing a new coreplug and subsequently not solving the problem.

Regards, Koen
Struijk Koen

Koen,

What great photography!

I now agree with you. Looks like you will be changing the plug. I hope we are both correct inour evaluation. Keep us informed.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

Koen

A bit off topic, but I have been noting your URLs. Am I missing something? Is there somewhere on this site where any of us can post photos?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve,

No that's on the account of the MGA Register Holland.
Occasionally I use it temporarily store such files.

I am afraid there isn't such a space to post photo's.

Koen
Struijk Koen

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2006 and 04/08/2006

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