A40 Freeze Core plug

[suri2]

Hi All,

After the winter I discovered that the freeze plugs on my A40 Devon (1949) engine had rusted through. Three from the side of the block are easily accessible. However, one is from the back above the flywheel. That is, if it’s a frost plug. Or what is it actually? Can this plug even be replaced on the engine in the car? Will the edge from the gearbox get in the way?

Thanks a lot.

George

[MikeN]

It’s a core plug, I don’t think you can fit a new one with the engine in place. The gearbox doesn’t get in the way but the bulkhead will.

BTW, core plugs have got nothing to do with frost or freezing. The core plugs are simply there to fill the apertures in the cylinder block that are  left during production after the removal of the sand core during the foundry casting process . Without the core the cylinder block would be solid iron without a water gallery.

Also, while you’ve got the core plugs out, you might want to get a bit of stiff wire, suitably bent and probe about to check the water gallery isn’t blocked . There should be free passage of water all the way around all 4 cylinders, top to bottom.

[suri2]

Hi Mike,
thank you very much for the information and advice. I’ve seen them labeled as frosted on the internet, so I used that label. I’m not an expert and just an amateur trying to keep my old lady alive. I have one more question. Two large eyes are mounted on the valve rocker cover. They are intended for pulling out the engine or the engine can only be pulled out using a spec. tool according to the manual?

Thanks again and have a nice day.

George

[MikeN]

Hello George, you are correct, the large eyes are for lifting the engine out.  You will need an engine hoist for this. If you can find an original Austin workshop manual on eBay it will describe how to do this. You may have to improvise slightly.

[suri2]

Hello Mike,

thank you for the advice. In the workshop manual, I found only the version where the engine is lifted with the help of a special device (mounted directly on the engine head). They didn’t mention the big eyes. That’s why I was unsure. The new plugs have already arrived, hurray for the repair!

Many thanks

George

[Author]

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