hey everybody,

building a 390 out here and got my block back from the machine shop/NAPA store.

ive reading everything i could on building tips and such, and found out that the cam plug at the rear of the block is suppose to be installed 'backwards'. the first man i asked is an old mechanic that actually worked for Ford back in the 60-70s and he said he would think he would remember puttin a freeze plug in backwards but doesnt recall that. he said he could see why with some cam-walk issues the engines used to have back then but didnt know for sure. ive seen several articles online where they point out that they put it in backwards.

well heres the issue, the shop put the freeze plug in backwards i noticed after i got it home and began painting the block. i called them up and said i believe this plug has been put in wrong and i need a new one. the owner ended up calling me back and said he had some but it should be correct, and said that they may have came that way from the factory but thats not how they do it basically. he asked if i had tried the cam yet i said no but hes all but guaranteeing me it will work

the plug looks like its touching the rear cam bearing, and i dont know if i will have clearance since im waiting for my cam to come in from summit.

looking at an old cam it doesnt seem to have any length past the bearing surface but the back of the camshaft is flat and i think its going to end up grinding against the cupped shape of the freeze plug(cam plug).

i took some pics if anyone would like to see this but im not seein this working out!

anybody have experience with this issue?

if i have to remove it, what would be the best way to pop it out, can i reuse it since its new(as long as it comes out straight)?or do i need to get another.

thanks everyone

 

I haven't torn down an FE yet so I can't comment directly on this issue. However, I'd shoot an email to Survival Motorsports to get a definitive answer. Barry Rabotnick is a reknown FE guru so he'd give ya the honest skinny on that plug.

E-Mail: Barry@Survivalmotorsports.com

Removal method 1: Thread in a screw and pop it out with a slide hammer.
Removal method 2. Take a screwdriver or chisel and push it in so it rotates (like a spinning coin) and pull it out with pliers.

Installation: Put a thin bead of thread locker (like Loctite 242) along the utside lip and tap it in using a large socket that fits inside the plug. Drive it in square until it is flush with the block.

 

They have it correct, someone there knows their FE's, the cam plug gets installed with the concave side facing the cam, and the convex side facing out, or in other words "backwards".

 

When you say the shop put it in backwards do you mean backwards as to the way you heard it should be or backwards as to normal?

I've always installed them opposite normal on FEs because that was how I was told to do it and the way everyone I've ever torn down was. I would do yours the same way because then you can be sure you won't have a problem.

If you need to change it you won't be able to save it and it's a dollar part that isn't worth the time and effort to try. The easiest way to drive a screwdriver or chisel through it and pry it out.

 

hah yeah sorry guys the plug has been installed like what you would think would be normal or like any other freeze plug goes in, where you see the inside of the cup from the outside. therfore its cupping into the cam bearing.

thanks for the help, and HIO, thats a good idea to email barry, i actually almost bought his book on amazon this week, i wonder if he talks about it in there?

 

now the only problem with removing the dang thing is that its pretty much touching the back of the bearing, its a 2 3/8" and the cam is not nearly that big, so 'spinning' it out i dont think will work or prying it im afraid will damage the bearing.

do you think that running a long wood dowel or pipe from the front will knock it out? i have a shovel handle
otherwise i think i could drill it, put a bolt thru it and use a puller to get it out. but ill have to go rent a puller...whatever method, im going to have to get it to pull out straight.

 

Ahh! that post was a little more clear than your previous, in that case they installed the cam plug incorrectly, the cam plug should cup outwards, or "backwards" from that of a typical freeze plug install (so they don't know their FE's ).

 

I worked in a high Perf engine shop for 5 years. The plug does have to go in backwards. Take it out and get a new one.

Of course at the shop we always had all the special tools for doing so. To remove a cam plug from a bare block you use a long bar through the cam journals to knock it out. If its being assembled, i used a slide hammer with a pointed taper thread to punch a hole into it, then twist to tighten and slide hammer it out.

FE cam plugs go in backwards. And be careful to not install it crooked or it will leak.

FYI don't forget the joe gibbs break in lube added to the oil upon startup and first 500 miles. Or else you get a flat cam.