I know I have a leak coming from the back of my motor. It seams to be coming from either the rear main or from the cam plug. Does anyone know if the can plug can be removed without taking out the cam? I'm open to most suggestions.

 

never tried it but i'd guess you could use a slide hammer with a screw tip. drill the plug and pull it. you won't have much/any space before you hit the cam.

 

yup that works but like ede said watch out for the cam, instead of taking it all the way out you could just unbolt things and pull it forward an inch.. kinda a PITA but better safe then sorry..

 

Do you guys really think the plug is strong enough to take the force of pulling the plug out? I'm picturing the screw pulling out of the plug.

 

sure i've saw pullers advertised like that for freeze plugs. never used one, i always drive them in the pop them out.

 

If it's made of steel you can spot-weld something to it and use pry bar as a puller. But be careful, don't weld-trough this plug to the cam face...

 

Did it not long ago on an '85. What I did was to drill into the corner of the plug. Not too far, just enough so that a large screwdriver could bite into it. Used a 1/8" or so bit and made a couple of holes (not too deep) in a line.

The tip of the screwdriver was placed into the holes and tapped with a hammer for more bite. Once it dug in I was able to pry the plug out.

I used permatex sealant (the sticky stuff in a can) on the new plug and tapped it in a hair past flush with the back of the opening.

And yes, the original plug was leaking.

RBob.

 

just make sure the leak isnt coming from the back of the intake manifold first. that rear china wall area LOVES to develop leaks.

 

Well here is some background on the motor. It was built last year, and has less than 1500 miles on it, older 2 piece style. It has had a leak since day one. From the back of the motor the block is moist with oil from under the cam plug down to the bottom of the pan. It kind of looks like the pattern is centered around the crank. I primed the pump of a while and it looks like the rear main is the culprit. Thanks for the help, but I'm going to try the seal and cross my fingers.