Core Plugs?

[chrisl]

Pardon my ignorance but what are Core Plugs?

 

My Xflow engine appears to have a small water leak at the back of the engine near the gearbox when warm and could not see any water pipes leaking! I have heard about these core plugs but have no idea what they are, I gather that they are plugs which cover holes in the block, can these leak?

[moredoorAsh]

They ate basicly a round plug that fills a hole made during manufacture, there are 2 round the back of the engine, 1 on the head, and 1 on the block behind the flywheel, gearbox, clutch and flywheel off for that 1.

 

I've just had to do mine

[chrisl]

Shit quite a big job then, can they leak and if so do they leak water? how come you replaced yours mate?

[Guest cortinamad-gonetoo]

yes they can leak the rot from inside

 

core plugs are fitted in during manufacturing, they are designed so if you don't put antifreeze in hopefully instead of knackering your head or radiator etc the core plug should pop out

[moredoorAsh]

As above mate, they seal off the coolant chamber that runs around the block and head.

I had dirty water dripping from the bellhousing area, i was changing my box and clutch anyway so it wasn't too much more agg for me.

 

Is the leak/top of the box wet, may be worth checking the 1 on the back of the head first, still head off the change but easier then the rest if it is.

 

I got a set from ebay delivered for £5 i think