Flathead crank plugs

whats the trick in getting the sludge trap plugs out?

 

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whats the trick in getting the sludge trap plugs out?

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Steve, check the "IDing a MERC crank" thread.

 

I use a slide hammer with a fat screw on the end. Just drill a small hole in the plug, screw in the hammer and pop it out. Brad

 

thanks guys topics get pushed down so fast these days I missed your reply ont the merc crank thread thanks digger dave. I didnt think the plugs where in at first cause theres a depression in them about half an inch deep si I though thatw as just the hole. The cranks outta the engine so I will try you trick on em and see how it goes.

 

Steve, glad to see you caught up with the thread.

When you get the plugs out, make sure you clean ALL the "gunk" out. I use "small bore gun cleaning wire brushes", lots of solvent and lots of air to blow the journal holes and the traps clean.

One other suggestion; if the crank is going to a shop for polishing and/or grinding; leave the plugs OUT until the crank is home and you can give the holes a final cleaning.

If you don't know the shop well, ask them not to put the new plugs in, tell them you will do it yourself. (not hard to do)

The grinding and polishing will leave small particals in all the holes, and they need to be cleaned out AGAIN before replacing the trap plugs.

Sounds fiddly, but when I worked in the engine rebuild business; I would see a lot of crank bearing failures because the traps were not ABSOLUTELY clean when the engine was assembled.

Good luck; and welcome to the "Flatheads Forever" club.