Oil Galley Plugs, Just replace the five big ones? Options

[saigon71]

In preparation for an engine rebuild, I wanted to get myself up to speed on drilling/tapping the oil galley plugs.

Search revealed conflicting information about whether all should be removed and tapped or just the five big ones.

What's the current school of thought on this?

Also, what size plugs and drill/tap will I need.

Thanks!

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...=103988&hl=

[Mark Henry]

3/8" NPT pipe tap, 9/16 drill bit use steel plugs.

Go slow, for a bare case I use WD-40 for lube. Keep the tap square, remove and clean the tap often when cutting.
When you tap check to make sure the plug goes in deep enough, but not too deep, you want it just a bit proud.
Clean well, I pressure wash the case.
Then use loctite to set the plugs, Never use teflon tape on a NPT plug or fitting, especially in aluminum.

Some will say you should use brass or aluminum plugs because they have the same expansion rates. IMHO in this case it's horse shit, I've never once seen a steel plug leak, but I have seen brass or aluminum plugs strip the hex out.

[r_towle]

3/8" NPT pipe tap, 9/16 drill bit use steel plugs.

Go slow, for a bare case I use WD-40 for lube. Keep the tap square, remove and clean the tap often when cutting.
When you tap check to make sure the plug goes in deep enough, but not too deep, you want it just a bit proud.
Clean well, I pressure wash the case.
Then use loctite to set the plugs, Never use teflon tape on a NPT plug or fitting, especially in aluminum.

Some will say you should use brass or aluminum plugs because they have the same expansion rates. IMHO in this case it's horse shit, I've never once seen a steel plug leak, but I have seen brass or aluminum plugs strip the hex out.

Where did you order the allen head plugs?

[Mark Henry]

Where did you order the allen head plugs?

Pretty common plug, any plumbing supply definetly should have them on the shelf. Most Hydraulic and hardware supply stores should have them as well.
Here I can get them at Home Debit and Low's.
I bought a bunch of 1/8"NPT plugs for my /6 engine cam towers at Fastenal.

Personally I have a hardware guy who comes by with a panel truck every 4-6 weeks, I bought them right off the truck.
Mine are Paulin/papco brand.