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 REN 19 16V CORE PLUG FAILURE HELP PLEASE
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maltby
Level 2 User

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:41 pm

Core plug leak. Can anyone give me any advise on how to fix. I don't know if I need to remove the head or not. the haynes manual doesn't help much. Thanks Idea
Neal
Forum Moderator

Joined: 18 Feb 2004
Posts: 7432

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:26 pm

Depends which core plug. Do you know which one or approximately where it is leaking?

Shouldnt need to remove the head!
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:15 am

exactly which plug is it?
maltby
Level 2 User

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 3:51 pm

sorry aia don't know just yet I havn't had chance to fill the cooling system back up. The guy I bought it from told me one of them was hissing and leaking under pressure. HOPE ITS NOT HEAD GASKET ?
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:45 am

head gaskets not really hard to change just time consuming.

Run the car then when the systems up to pressure you'll see where it is.
JB
Mr Quoter-vator

Joined: 16 Feb 2004
Posts: 7405

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 7:12 am

i wud rather it was a head gasket than a core plug
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:03 am

depends on the core plug really.

But yes it can mean the rest aren't far behind.
maltby
Level 2 User

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:32 pm

IT'S REFRESHING TO HEAR THAT IT'S NOT TOO DIFFICIULT TO DO EITHER.
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 3:21 am

just takes time mate, its not a hard job at worst its awkward due to access but you can do it in a day DIY no bother. Gasket swap that is.
ANDIE FREDERICK
Level 2 User

Joined: 22 Dec 2004
Posts: 44

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 4:32 am

Most core plugs, 10 min job max.... Out with a screwdriver, in with correct socket and hammer. " MOST " Rolling Eyes . The seven core plugs on a FORD Pinto engine only take half hour the lot (engine in car). Make sure you don't tap the plug in to far. Clean round the hole and place the sealant around the outside edge of the plug before you tap it in. This will stop you pushing sealant into the water channels. Hope this helps..... How hard it is, all depends on which plug.
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 4:38 am

ahh pintos, last time i worked on a pinto must have been ohh 5 years or something.

The good old ford boat anchor.
ANDIE FREDERICK
Level 2 User

Joined: 22 Dec 2004
Posts: 44

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 7:36 am

I was taking them apart and putting back together from the block.............. Rolling Eyes .30+ years ago......those were the days. Razz Razz Razz
maltby
Level 2 User

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2004 3:06 am

Has anyone actually changed a set of core plugs on this car. Thanks for the feedback on general core plug changes, but I am after specifics on the 16v engine please. I.e do you have to remove the starter motor, or the manifold and heat sheald etc. I have never done this before and want to do it right rather than bodge it and have to go through it all again Thanx
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2004 4:06 am

what core plug though?

Theres no point in replacing all the core plugs as to do that you need the engine out really.

Just replace the knackered one.
maltby
Level 2 User

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 2:31 pm

Hi chris, I filled up the exspansion bottle today to run the engine up to temp to see if the water leak was visable. no leaks whatsoever. Is it possible the core plug could have resealed it's self or do you think the guy who I bought the car from was mistaken about the leak.

I have had a water leak on a previous car, when the thermostat didn't open causing the engine to overheat quickley resulting in water leaking from the pipe joints/weakest point.

I took the car on a couple of miles trip,but if anything this cooled the engine down. Do you think I should start with a new thermostat and see how it performs first.

Cheers Chris. Regards Paul........
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 6:12 am

well nothing ever self seals for long so keep an eye on it.

If its not leakign keep your fingers crossed and an eye on it.

Where did the temp needle sit? You say driving it cooled it down, if the temp dropped right down then this may indicate the thermostat has been removed, this may have been done to reduce block pressure (not good) but it woudl stop the leak.
maltby
Level 2 User

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 9:05 am

The temp sat at aprox 3/4 then the cooling fan kicked back in, the temp didn't drop much. the fan kept kicking in every couple of minutes whilst idling. When I took it out for a blast the temp dropped to about half way.

The thermostat is still in and appeared to work, but I was trying to get my head round why it was leaking in the first place. I.e maybe the thermostat had stuck in the closed position hence putting the block and hoses under higher temps and pressure.?
Chris H
Forum Moderator

Joined: 02 Mar 2004
Posts: 19978

Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 9:17 am

well the stat sounds like its working fine.

Like I said just keep an eye on it. If it starts leaking again get it sorted.
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