Core plugs

[ndutton]

I'd buy a full set of brass core plugs if such a kit were made available.

[hanleyclifford]

I like NPT plugs. If you're going to have a hole in a casting you might as well make it inspectable and cleanable.

[ndutton]

Your preference is noted Hanley. I may be jinxing myself but since I'm FWC the advantage strikes me as minor. I sure like the clean look of the Moyer rebuilds and the gorgeous restorations of many members. Having a plug kit available avoids the inevitable conversation at the auto parts boutique:

Me: I'd like brass core plugs in these sizes please.
Teenaged clerk interrupted from texting on her smartphone: What car is this for?
Me: 1977 Atomic 4 marine engine, 4 cylinder flathead.
Clerk: Huh? What's a core plug? What's a flathead, a screwdriver, right? I really need to know the car type to access the computer. Like, for real.
Me: Not a car, it's in a boat.
Clerk: Can I interest you in a jumbo tub of lemon scented Go-Jo hand cleaner?

[romantic comedy]

As soon as the word BOAT is said, they immediately tell me to go to west marine. The ting is that they actually believe that west will have the stuff I am looking for.

In Home Depot, I try my best to never say boat. Sometimes it slips, and I get the same response. (go to WM, they will have it, I am sure)

[hanleyclifford]

Core Plug Replacement Package

I have to agree that the core plug suggestion is a good one especially for those inheriting a badly abused A4. In particular, cleaning a manifold without removing the plugs is an exercise in futility. BTW, next time you get that reaction at the Boutique why don't you ask the pogue if they carry KY jelly to go along with the lemon GO JO?

[ndutton]

RC,
That's why MMI is so important to us and the care of our engines. Notice that they listen to us too, the very reason this forum category exists. For example, check out this entry from 2007.

[Administrator]

Yep, that was Ted's baby!

Bill

[ndutton]

This also from Ted in the same year. MVP for sure.

[romantic comedy]

I liked that extender bot so much, I bought one, even though I dont need it at all.

I always support MMI. There are a few things that they dont have though. iron pipe for example.

All hail Don, all hail Don!!

[ndutton]

There are a few things that they don't have though. iron pipe for example.

I recommend making the suggestion in a separate thread within this category and see where it goes. You never know. They offer it in the form of a Catalina 27 hot section.

[hanleyclifford]

Black iron and steel pipe are so generic I think it best to leave it to folks like this: http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-me...ttings/=qf3v8i

[Dave Neptune]

Choices

I have replaced many ah core plug over the years and even some on my A-4's intake manifold. I have not had any trouble finding them in good auto parts houses. Neil, there is one close to Minney's.

I do like Hanley's tapered thread replacement, but I have seen them get stuck and become a project to get removed. The inspection aspects in a raw water have the advantage of inspection possibilities but are also due to the salty environment are more prone to rust stuck.

It's a matter of choice.

A complete kit would be a nice touch for sure though.

Dave Neptune

[ndutton]

I have since learned that at least on my project engine the core plugs are a combination of cup and Welch plugs. Thinking back to the boutique clerk with the French manicure talking on her Smart phone, what are the chances??

And why do they pluck their eyebrows bald then draw them back with a Crayola? Looks ridiculous.

But I digress . . . .

[lat 64]

Dorman is a major brand. They don't retail, but you can do lots of learning on their site.
Here's their partial catalog:

http://www.dormanproducts.com/catalog/hardware2006/127-130_Sec8_Part1.pdf

If you can get a part number for her, then Raquel (the welch) can put down her i-phone and just go dig one off the top shelf.

Warning; She'll be pretty upset at all the dust she finds up there, so be a good sport and say something nice about her hair.

R.

[lat 64]

Better disarm while I am still alive.
In all truth, it's the women at the parts store I go to that have the better smarts. The guys are so ready to fight about the application that I give up and just lie to them about what I'm fixing.

There's a common bumper sticker on trucks up here"

"Alaska gils kick __"

Not sure what it means, but I guess they got attitude.