Core Plug - Bad Repair
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
Core Plug - Bad Repair
Hi All,
Have discovered a previous owners 'fix' while I had the truck on a friends ramp - looks like a core plug leaked at some point and rather than replace it properly the individual put a big messy weld around/over it - looks like there's a weld to the right of the plug too - but I'm unsure if this hiding/fixing an additional problem or just more bad/messy welding.
Question is... the plug in question is on the rear right hand side (if sitting in the truck) of the block (above the starter) are there any known issues with (a) this core plug and (b) this area of the block in general.
Looks also like the weld is weeping coolant a little too - not lots - but some (which is too much) only fix I can see bar replacing the block is to grind back and do a better weld job - any other thoughts would be welcome.
Cheers
Richard
Have discovered a previous owners 'fix' while I had the truck on a friends ramp - looks like a core plug leaked at some point and rather than replace it properly the individual put a big messy weld around/over it - looks like there's a weld to the right of the plug too - but I'm unsure if this hiding/fixing an additional problem or just more bad/messy welding.
Question is... the plug in question is on the rear right hand side (if sitting in the truck) of the block (above the starter) are there any known issues with (a) this core plug and (b) this area of the block in general.
Looks also like the weld is weeping coolant a little too - not lots - but some (which is too much) only fix I can see bar replacing the block is to grind back and do a better weld job - any other thoughts would be welcome.
Cheers
Richard
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 0
From: West Valley Utah
The early 6.9 block did have a weak area around the block heater area. That is the same area you are describing.
Some blocks developed a crack in that area. Generally associated with using the block heater often. If I remember the dates right, up to early 85 could have the problem.
Some blocks developed a crack in that area. Generally associated with using the block heater often. If I remember the dates right, up to early 85 could have the problem.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont Tx
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
What year is the engine?
I see 84 in your specs.
The hole right over the starter is where the block heater should be.
I have to wonder is the heater started leaking and someone tried to install the wrong size freeze plug, which also leaked, so they tried to weld it in.
84 blocks were a little thinner at the block heater area, and have been known to crack there if the block heater is used a lot.
Nice looking truck if your avitar is your truck.
I see 84 in your specs.
The hole right over the starter is where the block heater should be.
I have to wonder is the heater started leaking and someone tried to install the wrong size freeze plug, which also leaked, so they tried to weld it in.
84 blocks were a little thinner at the block heater area, and have been known to crack there if the block heater is used a lot.
Nice looking truck if your avitar is your truck.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, OR
Surely you jest!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
Thanks for the directives... Both the LNS link and advice to 'search' harder in future. In my defence... Maybe the US term is Freeze Plug - so my Core Plug search was set to fail? Our two countries seperated by a common language spreads far and wide into automotive terminology... More to come.
Thanks Dave (yet again) - for what's likely to root of it, the trucks an 84 (built Sept '83) - Have read about the Block Heater issues in your previous threads - so good to have possible cause and effect to mull over.
Truck is indeed mine - thanks for the words - slowly getting her straight.
Best - Richard
Thanks Dave (yet again) - for what's likely to root of it, the trucks an 84 (built Sept '83) - Have read about the Block Heater issues in your previous threads - so good to have possible cause and effect to mull over.
Truck is indeed mine - thanks for the words - slowly getting her straight.
Best - Richard
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont Tx
I can say I have used the LNS products to repair a fair number cummins engines since I was introduced to them. I have also used them to fix the core plug leak you are dealing with. I cut a piece of steel the size of the plug and then anchored it with the LNS screws like they show on the site. Last I heard it is still running and is still dry
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
That's good to know - the LNS procedure looks like good solution if I decided to do it myself... found these guys in the UK if I choose easy (read: expensive) street...
http://www.castironweldingrepairs.co...ng-repairs.php
http://www.castironweldingrepairs.co...ng-repairs.php