[xj-s] Freeze Plugs

["Michel Carpentier" <carpenti@math.jussieu.fr>]

>From: "Kirbert" <palmk@mailer.gadcomm.net>

>A quote from Alex Dorne from a long time back:

>> Installing the plugs is a piece of cake (if the block is out of
>>the vehicle, of course).  Place the plug in its seat, convex side
>> out, hold a ball ended hammer in the center of the plug, give it a
>> hit with a second hammer.  This flattens the plug and increases
>> the diameter a little bit.

>All of this makes fine sense to me.  However, all of the ORIGINAL 
>plugs I've found on the V12 have the convex side IN.  What's the 
>story?  Do they have some different trick for installing?  If these 
>are replaced, should the new ones still be installed with the convex 
>side out?

Alex Dorne's recipe pertains to the dished variety of freeze plugs, a.k.a."
welch" or" welsh" plugs. These are simple disks which have been pressed
into a convex shape. They are common on older engines. You can find them
for example on the pre 4.2l XK block and on all XK heads.
The freeze plugs on the V12 are of the more modern "cupped" type. And yes,
the bottom of the cup goes in. Use a hammer and a socket to drive them in.
Sealing them may not be a bad idea. Some people swear by Permatex
Form-a-Gasket 2A (Harry on the XJ list), others by a product called "Gimme
the Green Stuff" (B.J. Kroppe). A local machinist recommended epoxy
(Araldite). Loctite gets also used by some.

Michel Carpentier

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