Author Topic: Rear cam plug question  (Read 2474 times)

Horsman

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Rear cam plug question
« on: September 25, 2020, 12:45:58 PM »
I had an oil leak at the rear cam plug, then installed a new cam plug with sealant and it still is leaking, see pics.

My engine builder used a 2 5/32 inch plug, wondering if it is the wrong size.

Thanks in advance.

gt350hr

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2020, 01:03:43 PM »
It is put in the wrong way!  FEs ( with the proper FE style cam plug) go in the OPPOSITE way of what you have done. The "cupped" portion goes TOWARD the camshaft and the plug is tapered to allow that. That should fix your problem.
   Randy


PARDON MY STUPIDITY , I now realize the engine is a small block. The plug IS installed correctly. All I can suggest is spray with brake parts cleaner and apply silicone sealer all around the plug's edge.
    I am wearing the "dunce" hat and writing pardon my stupidity  on the chalk board.
« Last Edit: September 25, 2020, 03:22:20 PM by gt350hr »
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pbf777

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2020, 01:32:58 PM »
      FE?   Randy, put your glasses on!        :)

      Yes, 2-5/32" is correct for the SBF.       ;)

      Scott.

gt350hr

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2020, 03:09:27 PM »
    I drink HEAVILY!!! Seriously I didn't look at the oil gallery plug orientation. My bad. At least I kept saying FE. My apologies to those I misled!
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Horsman

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2020, 10:43:19 AM »
Thanks for the information.

Any ideas why the second install is still leaking oil?

sg66

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2020, 02:18:39 PM »
Thanks for the information.

Any ideas why the second install is still leaking oil?

Two guesses:

1. There is a nic in the area of the block that the plug goes into maybe from when a previous one was removed
2. The plugs are out of tolerance. Are they made in the US or are they off-shored where close enough is good enough

Horsman

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2020, 10:06:31 PM »
Thanks for the information.

Any ideas why the second install is still leaking oil?

Two guesses:

1. There is a nic in the area of the block that the plug goes into maybe from when a previous one was removed
2. The plugs are out of tolerance. Are they made in the US or are they off-shored where close enough is good enough

Checked for a nic when I installed the first plug, all looked good.

Engine builder provided the plugs both times, I feel they are probably not US made. Any recommendations for a good US product?

sg66

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2020, 09:28:55 AM »
Thanks for the information.

Any ideas why the second install is still leaking oil?

Two guesses:

1. There is a nic in the area of the block that the plug goes into maybe from when a previous one was removed
2. The plugs are out of tolerance. Are they made in the US or are they off-shored where close enough is good enough

Checked for a nic when I installed the first plug, all looked good.

Engine builder provided the plugs both times, I feel they are probably not US made. Any recommendations for a good US product?
I’ve always had good luck with Dorman. I checked their website and they recommend two cam expansion plugs for a 289 which seems strange:

1. 555-051 which is 2 3/16
2. 555-070 which is 2 1/8

Their site says both are 0.060” oversized

I would go with the 555-051 but you may want to first call their tech support line to see why they list 2 different sizes 1-866-933-2911

Horsman

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Re: Rear cam plug question
« Reply #8 on: October 01, 2020, 10:13:13 PM »
Thanks for the information.

Any ideas why the second install is still leaking oil?

Two guesses:

1. There is a nic in the area of the block that the plug goes into maybe from when a previous one was removed
2. The plugs are out of tolerance. Are they made in the US or are they off-shored where close enough is good enough

Checked for a nic when I installed the first plug, all looked good.

Engine builder provided the plugs both times, I feel they are probably not US made. Any recommendations for a good US product?
I’ve always had good luck with Dorman. I checked their website and they recommend two cam expansion plugs for a 289 which seems strange:

1. 555-051 which is 2 3/16
2. 555-070 which is 2 1/8

Their site says both are 0.060” oversized

I would go with the 555-051 but you may want to first call their tech support line to see why they list 2 different sizes 1-866-933-2911

Thanks for the information. Much appreciated!