Hydraulic Lifter Guide Oil Gallery Plugs - Removal

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Does anyone know how to remove these oil gallery plugs so I can clean the insides? They aren't the generic kind of plug that you pound in (freeze plugs), I don't know if they are pressed in with a shop press or threaded in.

 

[flanso]

Before removing, make sure new ones are available. They may not be intended to be removed.

 

[JakeR22]

If you don't know how they're installed, how would we know how to remove them?

Are you having the block machined? If so, have them remove and reinstall the plugs.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

If I knew how they were installed, why would I be asking the question silly?

No machining done. I will pay these guys to hot tank my block though. They may charge me for that work though.

 

[JakeR22]

Originally Posted By: 1993_VG30E_GXE
If I knew how they were installed, why would I be asking the question silly?

No machining done. I will pay these guys to hot tank my block though. They may charge me for that work though.


Because those are two entirely different questions!

Installing a plug and unistalling it are two completly different animals.

 

[Gary Allan]

On your head they appear pressed in. I think that they're just inverted sand core plug type items. Interference fit. Perhaps a little deeper due to them wanting the cavity space available for whatever reason.

Not knowing my correctness ..but if I had to do it, I'd first drill a hole in it and attempt to insert screw (bigger one) and pull it with either a puller or heck, a claw hammer ...slide hammer. Otherwise I'd drill it as much as I could safely and collapse the thing.

That would be my Neanderthal approach.

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Is it worth it Gary - just to do the cleaning? If the Lifter Guide was all in spec, all the holes good for re-use would you risk it?

There going to be 12 of those to remove or more.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Can you describe them? Are they stainless steel ball bearings in an aluminium block or do they look like a round plug with a some form of square,hex or Allen key in the center? If they thread in you should be able to tell and you should be able to easily remove them. The only types that are not easily removed are the ball bearing style freeze plugs used on some all aluminum. They should look like standard pipe fitting type plugs if they are not the stamped steel style.

Their is a general rule that goes something like "If you can not figure it out you probably do not have the skills required to do the job!" So if you can not figure it out find a local source for help.

P.S. For what it is worth I have no idea what is meant by "hydralic lifter guide gallery plug" and I was trained as a Mechanic prior to deciding to go back to school. I am sure it is just a matter of syntax though. Youa re not talking about oil restrictors are you?

 

[1993_VG30E_GXE]

Hey bud - i'll take a photo so you can see.

I do notice those ball bearing type ones in the crankshaft - do I need special tools to remove those, then get the machine shop guy to re-install?

I want to pay outsiders AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE - I don't like giving them my money. Most businesses these days are horny for cash so they'll do anything to make a gain. The less I pay someone else the more I gain.