thedawnpatrol Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 anyone got a good fix for weeping core plugs ? i know the best way is to re do them, but with an engine in and ancillary's in the way its a lot of work ! most annoying thing is, i have had the Rad re cored and i worry about pouring in one of these leak stopper fluids in case it blocks my new rad ! any good advise guys ? Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Don Robert Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 anyone got a good fix for weeping core plugs ? i know the best way is to re do them, but with an engine in and ancillary's in the way its a lot of work ! most annoying thing is, i have had the Rad re cored and i worry about pouring in one of these leak stopper fluids in case it blocks my new rad ! any good advise guys ? Jules I think you have to decide if the core plugs are leaking due to major corrosion. ie are they going to fail big time ( in which case they need changing )...or is it seepage due to limits and fits....i would not worry about using a leak inhibitor, such as Bars leaks or Radweld..as it will have a minimal effect on your new Rad.. When i worked at Jaguar cars in the 1970,s every new car got a tube of Bars leaks added..just in case !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Tony B Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 As Don says , depends why they are weeping. Considering the work you've done and a rad that was obviously well past sell by date. Change the lot, then add a sealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Gordon_M Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 First thing is to turn the radiator cap back one click so rad isn't pressurised but then change all the core plugs .....:red: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Richard Farrant Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 If the core plugs are rusting through, then change them. This is often due to crud built up behind them, normally at the back of the block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 thedawnpatrol Posted June 30, 2014 Author Share Posted June 30, 2014 The core plugs were all changed when the engine was rebuilt 2 years ago! So all I can think is that they were not sealed properly. Thoughts? Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 cosrec Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 what sort of core plugs are they if convex tap in sort another tap in centre wont hurt if like flan dish suggest not cleaned before fitted what ever better putting effort in to repairing now rather then doing big damage in the future. Do it right once then forget about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Richard Farrant Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 The core plugs were all changed when the engine was rebuilt 2 years ago! So all I can think is that they were not sealed properly. Thoughts? Jules If these are the convex disc shape, they are known as welch plugs. Problem I find is that there are some inferior ones about. The edges should be ground with a sharp edge so when hit in the centre they lock in place (using Stag, Red Hermatite or similar sealant). Also got to watch that the seat in the block or head is not corroded or pitted. If it is only a small weep from one spot, I would be inclined to try one of the better coolant sealers, K-Seal is brilliant for this and will not block radiator cores, unlike those things that look like something a dog has left behind (Barseal). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 alixcompo Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 If in doubt use a product called 'K Seal' this is what car traders use to fix head gaskets. More than up to weeping core plugs. You should pay about 12 quid for a small bottle. Trust me it is worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Tony B Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 K Seal does seem to be the one of choice, there are slightly more complicated to use system that line the whole waterway with a Ceramic. Might be worth considering that for long term use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 thedawnpatrol Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Thanks Chaps, i feel slightly better about using a product now, looks like K seal is the best.......... Yes, they are the convex type, and i have been able to give some an 'extra' tap, but there are a few i just can't get straight square on with out taking the engine out ! this is for my Humber 6 cylinder, so do i need to think about quantities ? it holds a lot of water........... perhaps after this i will be able to get some Anti freeze in ! Thanks for all your help Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 arcot1751 Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Our local garage swears by a product called Steel Seal, apparently this is amazing stuff and has cured head gasket problems every time they've used it. It ain't cheap about £30 a bottle but may be worth trying ? I had a core plug go on my jeep in the middle of no where, wasn't good so if in doubt maybe changing is the way to go for peace of mind :undecided: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Richard Farrant Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 this is for my Humber 6 cylinder, so do i need to think about quantities ? it holds a lot of water........... Hi Jules, I wondered if it was your Humber. Something worth noting is that those Humber engines used welch plugs that were in metric sizes, unusual at the time compared to other British manufacturers. I would make sure the leak is sealed before you add antifreeze as that has a searching effect and will find leaks you did not know you had. regards, Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 thedawnpatrol Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Thanks Richard I'll try the K seal first, and if no good I'll change at least the ones I can get to. Trouble is, there are some small ones, about 1/2 inch which sit right behind the exhaust manifold, there a pig to change. Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Richard Farrant Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Thanks Richard I'll try the K seal first, and if no good I'll change at least the ones I can get to. Trouble is, there are some small ones, about 1/2 inch which sit right behind the exhaust manifold, there a pig to change. Jules I have rebuilt a few Humber engines and agree some are awkward ! Best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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thedawnpatrol
anyone got a good fix for weeping core plugs ?
i know the best way is to re do them, but with an engine in and ancillary's in the way its a lot of work !
most annoying thing is, i have had the Rad re cored and i worry about pouring in one of these leak stopper fluids in case it blocks my new rad !
any good advise guys ?
Jules
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