Re: Just added a topic area for the small block [cam plug question]

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Guys,
Timing for this is incredible.
I'm finishing my 300 off ready to bolt the Auto up.
When fitting the 1-61/64" cam shaft plug at the rear of the block I've found it to be a push fit, and it touches the end of the cam shaft. I'm machining a " drift / dolly" to try and make a dish the plug away from the cam shaft and expand the O.D creating a tighter fit with the plug. When push fitting the brass plug into its recess it's sits slightly proud of the recess when it bottoms out on the cam shaft. It appears if it didn't touch the cam the taper on the plug will take up and create a tight fit.
I have installed a new cam, I have no idea if the new cam is slightly different to original.
Any help/advice will be appreciated.
Thanks
Marcus.8

[Brian]

That is not the correct cam plug for a 300.  The original plug is only about 3/16" deep.  They are a difficult to find item--I think I had to re-use the original on the last one I built.  With the correct plug, it goes in til the lip is flush with the surface of the block and it has plenty of clearance to the end of the cam. 

[Aussie Skylark]

Thanks Brian,
My original plug is long gone now, any suggestions where I might find one? I think I will have a go at expanding the one I have, trimming it back and installing with the best sealing compound I can get my hands on.
I made a typo yesterday, the plug I have is 1-51/64", either way its the wrong plug.
Thanks again
Marcus

[Brian]

Looks like TA performance has it for $2.00

[Aussie Skylark]

Thanks Mate, that plug just got a ticket to Australia.
Have a good weekend.

[Rollaround]

Thanks Mate, that plug just got a ticket to Australia.
Have a good weekend.

Looks like TA performance has it for $2.00

Awesome! A car guy in Australia is looking for an engine part.  Another car guy on the other side of the plant chimes in with the parts availability and cost.
Car guys helping car guys….what a great site and support group.

[telriv]

As you may well know the ole "Nail" takes the same plug so I know it's readily available.
Does the 300 also use a snapring at the rear of the block???   IF it does it needs to be installed with the flat side facing the rear.

Tom T.

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Mate, that plug just got a ticket to Australia.
Have a good weekend.

Looks like TA performance has it for $2.00

Awesome! A car guy in Australia is looking for an engine part.  Another car guy on the other side of the plant chimes in with the parts availability and cost.
Car guys helping car guys….what a great site and support group.

Amen Kevin!  We have an exceptional group here!!

 

Chuck

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Guys,
After a slow few weeks I finally have the cam plug in. I placed an order to have a plug shipped over. I tracked the plug to LA International then it was sent back to TA in Arizona. USPS has temporarily ceased shipping to some 22 countries Australia included, due to a back log of parcels that ned to be cleared. I could have used other parcel carriers  however the cost was around $200 AUD. So I had a rethink, I had the brass plug that was slightly undersized, and made an expander to stretch it the 1.8mm it required. The tool worked wonders, I measured the clearance from the cam shaft to the back of the block and sanded away the excess material from the plug. The material I removed from the plug provided 1/16" clearance from the plug to the cam shaft if the plug was tapped in flush, however I left it slightly proud providing that little extra clearance.
Till next time
Marcus

[Aussie Skylark]

Ready for gearbox

[Aussie Skylark]

Drive shaft installed

[dsags]

Great dedication. Project is looking very good.

Dan

[telriv]

The only problem I could possibly see happening is that the brass does NOT have the same holding power as the steel plug & could possibly "Pop" out under the oil pressure.
IF in fact they are the same as a "NailHead" at 1 & 51/64ths. I have them in stock. I could go through the various shipping possibbilities to see how I MAY be able to get it to you if interested.

Tom T.

[Dr Frankenbuick]

Could it be tapped for a pipe plug like the 455?  Then the solution could be a close as his local hardware store. Never mind, I was thinking oil gallery plug: not cam plug.     

[Aussie Skylark]

Hi Tom Dan and Doc,

Thanks for the comments. I really appreciate your input Tom and now I'm slightly concerned  I did use locktight 515 on the plug. If its going to pop I'm hoping its while I'm running it in, in a controlled environment and with the body off its not to difficult to see or access to replace. Perhaps when the postal system is back on its feet I will get a replacement and install it before the body is fixed to the frame permanently. I've attached a photo of the plug before I painted it, it was a tight fit and I'm hoping the brass will hold.
Till next time
Marcus