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Cam plug oil leak, rubber plug success?
Uncle Barry - May 2nd, 2014 at 11:32 AM

Gday All,
Have done a engine rebuild and now the god dame engine cam plug has a small leak. New rear main fitted and its defiantly the cam plug. Use some dye and uv light to prove once apart...
Rebuilt with a new plug but the cam gear shat it self and had to split again. So used the old new metal plug. Engine has done now about 20kms if that.
So the rubber plug thats available has any one has some good, bad stories theyd like to share.
I really dont want to split the case again. Just loosing the rebuild a engine mojo and really want to drive it.
Used a brand spanking new bubble top case so no issues with it.
Cheers Uncle Baz

Uncle Barry - May 5th, 2014 at 01:16 PM

well looks like no one has any horror stories. Ill give it a go.

matberry - May 5th, 2014 at 03:15 PM

The rubber plug is designed to fit a case that has no groove. The metal plug is for a grooved case. I've not tried fitting the rubber plug to a grooved case but I think removing the old one without hurting the sealing area may be difficult. Sometimes I've seen the bearings and/or sealant block the drain channel to create a leak, or when you had it apart to do the cam gear, the surfaces got oiled and didn't seal properly??

Uncle Barry - May 7th, 2014 at 10:12 AM

yeah the rubber plug suppliers say it can be used for both. Would have to use some premium sealant for sure. But splitting the case again would just be the straw the broke the camels back. it would be a fire sale of car, and we have worked so hard to this point to do that and not get any enjoyment out of the car. Id be prepared to give it a go with the knowledge of splitting the case in a few years. I could live with that. Interesting that not more stories of cam plug leaks.
cheers.:)

shokwave2 - May 7th, 2014 at 05:52 PM

If it was me and it was a small leak, i'd drain the oil, clean the area and smear with the black Permatex sealant and let dry for a few days. Save you from splitting the case. If it leaks again you have bigger issues.

Uncle Craig - November 23rd, 2016 at 01:36 PM

well pulled the engine out and split the case. just as well as the cam plug oil return gallery was blocked with excessive sealant. reassembled and no leak.
FB link to vid.
https://www.facebook.com/craigdrechsler/videos/1232918830104743/ 

fish26 - November 23rd, 2016 at 08:59 PM

Did you use silicone as sealant?