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another disaster

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1949startinghandle
Posts: 202
Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:56 pm

another disaster

Post by 1949startinghandle »

My LJ200 was running quite well after re-fitting the rebuilt head. But suddenly I was engulfed in steam, and only just got home. The large core plug at the back of the head , (yes, just where it is impossible to really get at it) had popped out. However , steam also seemed to come from the rocker box when the oil cap was removed. perhaps the brand new gasket has blown as well? and they aren't cheap either.
any tips on fitting a core plug properly?

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theoldman
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Re: another disaster

Post by theoldman »

The head will need to come off for the core plug anyway, so you will need a new gasket - yes - aren't they a price!!!

Have you thought of getting the aperture threaded and fitting a threaded core plug?
Neil
Normal for Norfolk

1949startinghandle
Posts: 202
Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:56 pm

Re: another disaster

Post by 1949startinghandle »

well the aperture is around 2 inches and I don't have a tap and die set that sort of size. It is the biggest core plug I have ever seen. I will just clean up, use some sealant and whack it in properly .

Salmons
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Re: another disaster

Post by Salmons »

Neil what happens if the pressure builds up and the threaded core plug will not blow out

1949startinghandle
Posts: 202
Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:56 pm

Re: another disaster

Post by 1949startinghandle »

there are plenty of others to blow out, but the radiator cap should blow long before. They aren't for that anyway - they have no purpose except to fill the casting holes.

Petelang
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Re: another disaster

Post by Petelang »

Is the steam within the rocker box perhaps from the top face core plugs? I had a leakage there once. It only showed up when engine stone cold and overnight leaked a lot of coolant into the sump from the higher level in the radiator. I stood watching tiny drips appearing, getting bigger then running across the head down the pushrod holes.
Peter
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Cloud Nine Classic Weddings, Nottingham.

Simon Hyslop

Re: another disaster

Post by Simon Hyslop »

Thanks for writing that Peter, I was wondering if this model had core plugs in the face of the head. I had the same with my LD10, I didn't find anything wrong with the head gasket but fitted a new one anyway. It was the core plug that was causing the white smoke.
Once fitted, it can be an idea to pour half a bottle of Radweld+ straight down the thermostat housing then fit the thermostat and top hose. That way, hopefully any potential ill fitting core plugs get sealed up and the radiator receives as little bunging up as possible.

1949startinghandle
Posts: 202
Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:56 pm

Re: another disaster

Post by 1949startinghandle »

the steam was from the huge hole (2") at the back of the head - it had popped out! but I will check the head face core plugs.

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