Hey Everyone,

Tonight I dropped the oil pan on the Z and swapped
oil pumps.

It seems the old one has grinding gears and feels
sloppy compared to the new one. I hope that's the
only cause of the low oil pressure, because I'd
sure hate to chase a clearance issue!

Anyway...the core plug (freeze/frost plug) behind
the starter is leaking. The system has never been
up to temperature so it's not even pressurized -
yet there is already coolant coming out around the
core plug.

What can I do to correct this? I'm thinking RTV
silicone, but it may flake off.

Has anyone ever removed a core plug? If so, how?
Drill it and pull???

Thanks for any tips!

 

My removal method: use something blunt to knock one side in so the opposite side exposes plug lip. Then I grab that lip with channel locks with the head of locks up against block. Then I use channel locks to lever the plug right out. Easy. Don't worry if you accidentally knock plug in, just reach in and position it with a lip sticking out so you can grab it with the channel locks. Large vice grips can also be used, but channel locks are my favorite for this job.

I put a light coat of Permatex high tack sealant around block opening and plug outer diameter. This is a maroon colored thick liquid that comes in a little can with a brush in the cap. I suppose you could use any seaer, but just do a light coat so a glob doesn't fall in and plug a passage in block or radiator.

 

I was scared about driving it in further, but I guess I could always
grab it with needle nose...it can't really fall down much further anway!

Hopefully this car will hit the streets this weekend.

Thanks Angel!

 

When I was in my late teens I worked in a service station. One Sunday afternoon a guy came in with a leaking core plug. He was all worried about it overheating and cracking the block. Our service bay was closed and we didn't have any mechanics on duty being Sunday and all. I sold him a tube of that silver-powery cooling system leak repair crap. (Sorry can't remember the name.) I told him, "this is usually for small leaks, but might do the trick, however you should get it repaired properly as soon as possible."

He emptied the contents of the small cylindrical tube into his radiator and within 5 minutes (to my amazement) it actually stopped the leak.

Not that I'm recommending this as a permanent solution, however if you're out on the open road, having a tube in your toolbox in the trunk could be enough to help you leg it home in a pinch.

 

Do not, I repeat, do NOT use bars-leak. There are some coolant leak sealers that are acceptable, but Bars-leak is not one of them. If you have to use something, use the wynn's radiator stop-leak. It is the best one. And yes, it will get you home. Buddy drove his intrepid with the water pump leaking a steady stream for 3weeks after adding a a few jugs of stopleak.

As for the frost plug, Angel has it right. My only tip is when removing them punch a hole with a centre punch and let it drain first. It cuts down on showers. TO install use a large socket or pipe.
Good Luck.
CoryM

 

With a little luck and your tips, I removed and properly installed
my first core plug.

Normally, when I receive the block from the shop, all the plugs
are set for me.

Barring any leaks, explosions, low oil pressure or thrown rods,
my Z28 will be terrorizing the streets Saturday afternoon!

It's been a lonely two months...blown engines suck!

Have a good night, and thanks again for all your responses.