Allis B Engine Soft Plugs

[James B.]

I just got my 48 AC B fired up after an overhaul. I noticed oil seaping through all three soft plugs on the side of the engine. I am assuming they are soft plugs. Do I need to replace them? and how do I go about doing so? And are they still readly available? I didn't see the part # in the parts manual. Also to satisfy my curious mind, how does that soft plug work since there is oil behind it? It would make sense if coolant is behind it.( for freezing) Thanks

 

[Tractor,Tractor]

I was told after working in a foundry that they are not for freeze protection they are for access to clean out casting material after the block is poured.

 

[Dick L]

Terminology. Correct name would probly be core plugs. As stated by Tractor,Tractor to cast anything with a inside pocket you have to have something in that area that is removable and a way to remove it. The name of the object used to form that pocket is called a core.
When that core removing hole is in an area used for water and it freezes the plug will pop out. Sometimes it will save cracking of the main casting but not always and not really a freeze safety.

 

[James B.]

Thanks for the responses, that makes sense. But how do I go about repairing the oil leaks on the plugs? Thanks

 

[Dick L]

If they are still domed you might be able to pound the center to tighten the out side. You install new plugs by pounding them that way. The last ones I got were from and engine rebuild shop. NAPA didn't list that diameter. Or the local one couldn't find the listing.

 

[James B.]

Thanks Dick, I will try pounding in the center. Is there some type of lip or stop on the back side of the cast hole to prevent from pounding the plugs in to far? It must hit something in order for the outside to expand when hitting the center. just didnt want push it in farther knowing the push rods are behind that area. Thanks again.

 

[Dick L]

This is what it looks like under the plug.

 

[BushogPapa]

You can get them at NAPA..just measure and get the size you need....I like the "Deeper" cups..and I always coat them with Permatex, to seal them and provide some rust protection..
Remove what you need to get to them (manifold??)..
Use a large screw-driver and a small hammer to "tip" or turn the cup and pull it out with slip-joint pliers..
Clean up the perimeter of the hole good..
Coat the perimiter of the hole and the back of the freeze-plug with Permatex..place it in place, to drive it in...
I use as large a socket (1/2"drive) as I can slip inside the plug, installed Backwards on an extension..
The short plugs need to be carefully driven and stop at the right depth..the Deeper plugs can be driven in and left flush with the casting..
Ron.

 

[BushogPapa]

If this is what you have, Please dis-regard my posts above...
These are Expansion Plugs and ARE domed ..sorry about my error...!!

Ron..

 

[BushogPapa]

You can remove them different ways..depending on the condition of the plug...!

If rusted thin enough, you can drive a screw driver through the center and pry them out..
OR, drill a hole thru it and either pry or use a Slide-hammer to remove them..
I would still use the Permatex on them..

Ron.

 

[Dick L]

On the large domed ones with plenty of space behind them I just drive the dome in and they will fall out.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I don't understand why you have oil seeping around the plugs. There should be coolant leaking out not oil since they are in the water jacket.

 

[DickL]

Nope! just oil. The oil from the filter dumps in that channel as well as the oil from the rockerarms runs down the push rods into that channel to run out the front of the engine into the front of the pan. On its way out it oils the lifters which work at the bottom of that channel.

 

[LenND]

You are right. They are not a freeze plug. I think they got that name years ago because they saved many block on old Chey sixes by popping out before cracking the block.

 

[associatedpowertrain]

if you still need to replace give me a shout James...im at 800-358-1103...i should be able to help you out or at least give you some guidance.
Associated Powertrain

 

[Anonymous-0]

Napa in Paxton illinois has them in stock i know because i needed 3 of them and he had to order 25 to get them in.