Reuse Core Plugs

[yorab]

Motor in signature. My carb core plugs have been removed and they don't have any holes in them. Can I reuse them? Is there a front side and back side to these? In other words, should the edges of the plugs slant inward or outward or are they perpendicular to the faces?

Sealer of any type? Thanks.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

How did you get them out without making holes in them?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

"welch plugs" I've re-used them, use hammer to make them flat again and then stake them in place.

 

[yorab]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

Not sure how they came out. I took the casting to the shop for cleaning. They were out when I got the parts back. However, it looks like they punched the center in a bit more and then perhaps pryed the edge out. Just a guess.

As far a sealer, I just looked in the manual. They say to use Sealer 1000, now Scotchweld 847. Since there is little pressure behind that plug, I think I'll reuse the plugs with a bit of sealer. I can test for leaks before I put the carb on the engine. If it leaks, I'll buy the plugs. If anybody knows for sure that this is a bad idea, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

This is a bad idea.


I have never used a sealer, simply new plugs everytime I clean the carb. Dont over tap them. I just use a hammer and an extension from my socket set.

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

"welch plugs" I've re-used them, use hammer to make them flat again and then stake them in place.

Welch plugs are not flat when new. Try doing a Google on "Welch plug". They are dome shaped so that when you place them in a hole with the dome up and flatten them with a blunt object they expand and lock themselves in the hole. I would never reuse one unless I had to. They are cheap and you should be able to find them at almost any hardware store.

DLH

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

These are essentially the same thing used in a standard car engine, yet they are referred to as frost/freeze plugs. The general rule of thumb is never to reuse them as they can be replaced for a minimal costs and can be obtained from almost any supplier.

 

[yorab]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

Okay, it seems as though reusing is a bad idea. The plugs are about $8 each if I get OEM. I'll try to find something from an autoparts store that are the same diameter. I believe that the original are aluminum. Does anybody know if aluminum plugs are widely available?

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

8 dollars, that's ridicules. Unless OMC made them non standard so you would have to buy them from the company, you should be able to find them almost anywhere for less than a buck. Not sure what they are made of. A soft medal of some kind. Try testing them with a magnet to see if they aluminum. I know that at some of the freeze plugs on car engines are steel because they do rust out.

DLH

 

[bigrockets]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

The oem manual does specify that a fuel and oil resistant sealer be used when installing the new plugs. Prevents air leaks into the calibration ports.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

Any auto shop should carry them in a range of sizes for 10-25 cents each, I've measured them and just bought the same diameter, $8 they better be gold plated. Seal the edges with clear nailpolish.

 

[yorab]

Re: Reuse Core Plugs

I wouldn't have considered reusing the core plugs except for the price. I thought that $8 was leaning a bit toward highway robbery and that's why I asked about reusing the old ones. I'll take everybody's advice and use new ones-new ones from an auto parts store.