Brass or steel

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Mar 22, 2015 | 01:01 PM

skidoorulz

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2014

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From: Billings Montana

Brass or steel

I need to replace the cam plug in my 292 as it looks like it is crooked and seeping oil. (Machine shop installed) I can get both brass and steel plug. Which would you use and why. Also should I use any sealant on it

Mar 22, 2015 | 02:12 PM

arctic y block

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Island Southeast Alaska

If your in a dry climate than steel is fine. Brass is softer and
easier to damage when installing but salt don't bother it as much.

Mar 23, 2015 | 11:31 AM

skidoorulz

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2014

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From: Billings Montana

Only one thought on this? How about a sealer? Any thoughts on that?

Mar 23, 2015 | 12:08 PM

banjopicker66

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Coal country

No need for a sealer.
The plugs are slightly oversized. This allows the soft metal (either brass or steel) to conform to the slight irregularities in the cast iron as it is forced into the opening, and so seal it.

Mar 23, 2015 | 12:24 PM

daveengelson

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Boulder Creek, Ca

Suggest going with steel, not familiar with 'brass' plug but have had bad experience w/ brass components which I found tend to develop cracks due to engine vibration.

Mar 23, 2015 | 05:07 PM

skidoorulz

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

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From: Billings Montana

OK everyone thanks. Picked up a steel one today

Mar 23, 2015 | 08:40 PM

1972RedNeck

Logistics Pro

Joined: Feb 2011

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From: Townsend, MT

If you haven't installed it yet, I like to clean the hole with emery cloth and then smear a coat of hi-tack around the hole before installing the plug. Maybe it is more than necessary but I have never had one leak yet.