Pipe Plugs in Oil Galley Holes

[laserxe84]

A few months ago, I built up a common block 2.2L TII. While I was at the machine shop getting the block honed with a torque plate, my machinist recommended to replace the oil galley pressed-type plugs with 3/8" pipe plugs. So I agreed and had them drill and tap the holes AND install the plugs with sealer. They are now both leaking oil pretty badly. Whether they used the wrong sealer, used the wrong material plugs, or simply did not tighten them enough is unknown. They used STEEL plugs. I can either re-use these or use a softer material- BRASS. I was thinking of using permatex teflon thread sealer with the BRASS plugs and torquing the hell out of 'em. BUT...

What about Disimilar Metals? Meaning BRASS pipe plugs in a CAST IRON block. Are these so disimilar, that oil leaks would likely occur after a few heat cycles???

Would it be less likely to run into oil leaks if I used the STEEL pipe plugs instead?

The way I see it- brass IS a softer material than steel, therefore, it WILL conform to the cast iron block's threads much better...

Anybody have experience with Pipe threads and oil leaks?

Thanks for any info,"thumbs up

[tmef]

Who assembled the shortblock? If you did, the machine shop probably left them loose knowing that you would want to run a brush through the galley's during the cleaning process. But if they did and they were suppose to install the plugs, that is a whole other story. As far as the plug material goes, I would stick with the steel.

[JDIZZ]

I use steel plugs and never had a leak. Sounds like they were left loose.

[laserxe84]

Nope. They were pretty tight with what looked to be red loc-tite for sealer. The machine shop was responsible for installation- it was understood. They even used a punch around the holes to hold the plugs in better. When I took them out, it looked like the holes were drilled too large for a 3/8" pipe thread as the threads were'nt too deep. I decided against more drilling and tapping because the passages for #1 and #5 mains are RIGHT there. I went with brass plugs and permatex teflon thread sealer. Luckily, the one behind the flywheel did not leak, however, the one on the right did. I ended up replacing that one with a steel plug and RTV and all is well- NO MORE LEAKS!!! "thumbs up

[Tim_K]

Use Permatex #2 non hardening sealer - that black tar-like stuff.