Cam plug installed backwards.

[Yellow Truck]

I had a machine shop build the long block for me from parts I'd ordered (a Prison Break kit from Barry), and when we put the cam in we had to drive the cam plug back a bit to get the free play we needed at the front.

At the time I didn't think about it, but yesterday I checked the books and sure enough, the plug is in backwards. I have a couple of questions:

• If we now have the clearance for the cam, can this turn into a problem?
• We drove it back about an 1/8th of an inch using a long tube and a rubber mallet, I'm concerned that it may cause an oil leak.
• Is it possible to pull it now and replace it (unfortunately the intake, valve train, and timing cover are all installed now)?

[blykins]

If you drove it out far enough to have clearance, then it's not located correctly and will cause trouble with your trans block plate......or leak.....

At this point, it wouldn't be hard at all to remove it and replace it.  If it's sticking out far enough, you can take a screwdriver and hit it on the lip to creel it up.  If it's not sticking out, drill a little hole in the center and use a slide hammer to pull it out, or twist in a screw and use something to lever it out. 

When you get it out, you will see that the block has a shoulder for the plug to be driven in against.  That little shoulder should ever slightly be seen past rear cam bearing.  Knock the new plug in facing the correct way until it bottoms out against the shoulder.  It should be below the face of the block when you do it correctly. 

[Yellow Truck]

Thanks, I'm ordering a new set of plugs from Summit as I write this. Have to buy the whole kit to get the plug, but it is cheap compared to having to fix it later.

[blykins]

You don't need the whole kit.

Run down to NAPA/AutoZone/Advance and ask for a PC92 plug. 

[Yellow Truck]

Thanks, Summit didn't have it, so I called the machine shop and he'll give me one. He was surprised his guy put it in backwards, knew right away what I was talking about. He's also looking for a 3/8" expansion plug for me to close off the dipstick hole (I'm building a 445 for a 4WD F100, it takes the dipstick in through the side of the oil pan).