rear cam plug

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 27, 2009 | 08:24 PM

cparks

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 537

Likes: 17

From: Linden USA

rear cam plug

I just bought a 390 that has low miles on it with a mild rebuild and see that the rear soft plug that goes in the back of the block is not installed correctly. I am almost 100% sure that this plug is supposed to be installed backwards with the flat part out, not the cup. Not sure why that is on the FE engines. Any input what problems this may cause? It is supposed to have 4000 miles on it and it looks really clean inside.

Sep 28, 2009 | 11:32 AM

hiball3985

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,771

Likes: 80

From: tujunga, calif

You are correct. The plug goes in backwards as compared to a freeze plug. With the plug installed the wrong way it can put pressure on the rear of the cam causing the front of the cam to wear on the trust plate. It might be worth pulling the timing cover, gears/chain and the thrust plate to check for wear.

Sep 28, 2009 | 11:46 AM

cparks

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 537

Likes: 17

From: Linden USA

I will pull the timing cover and chain and look how much end play the cam has and if any wear on the front retaining plate or cam. Thank you very much.

Sep 28, 2009 | 11:56 AM

krewat

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 42,561

Likes: 423

From: Long Island USA

Wouldn't it just be easier to pull the plug and install another one correctly ?

Sep 28, 2009 | 02:16 PM

hiball3985

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,771

Likes: 80

From: tujunga, calif

I would assume he will change the plug at this time also. Just changing the plug might not be enough. He said he has 4,000 miles in it with the plug in backwards so I think a check of the thrust plate and cam face would be required to be on the safe side.

Sep 28, 2009 | 02:20 PM

hiball3985

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,771

Likes: 80

From: tujunga, calif

Quote:

Originally Posted by cparks

I will pull the timing cover and chain and look how much end play the cam has and if any wear on the front retaining plate or cam. Thank you very much.

Pull the plug out before checking end play. I would still pull the plate and do a visual. Its only two more screws.