Welch plug...to replace or not replace...?

[Dale Finch]

I have a very slight seep from the Welch plug in the steering gear housing. I have a new one from TM Tractors, but haven't made up my mind as to whether I'll replace it yet. I know I might as well...

My question is, what's the best way to remove it? Obviously I need to drain the housing. If I then drill a hole and insert a screw, can it be pulled out with a claw hammer?

Then once it's out, I clean the hole, decide whether to use a sealant (Indian Head or Permatex Aviation Form-a-Gasket?), and using a large socket, tap the new plug until seated, and finally hit the plug to expand/flatten it and seat it. Is this correct?

[Eugene]

My question is, what's the best way to remove it? Obviously I need to drain the housing. If I then drill a hole and insert a screw, can it be pulled out with a claw hammer?

Most likely that will pull the Welch plug out. Once you get a hole in the Welch plug, screwdriver might pry out the plug. It's a press fit.

Then once it's out, I clean the hole, decide whether to use a sealant (Indian Head or Permatex Aviation Form-a-Gasket?), and using a large socket, tap the new plug until seated, and finally hit the plug to expand/flatten it and seat it. Is this correct?

Gasket sealant of yoru choice. Just set in place by hand. Smack the center of the welch plug to seat. No need for a large socket.

[Gary Dotson]

When I bought Cubota, years ago, the Welch plug on it was leaking. I just whacked the center of the existing plug, a couple times, and it has never leaked since. Maybe that’s all yours needs.

[Dale Finch]

Hmmm...Gary, I may just try that for now!
I just want to get this tractor discharged from the "hospital"... there's another "patient" waiting for the "bed"!!!

[Nelson 634]

For those of us that didn't know what a welch plug was..... I had to look it up.


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Core plugs, also called freeze plugs or Welch plugs, are used to fill the sand casting core holes found on water-cooled internal combustion engines." Usually domed shaped. Thus the wacking it with a hammer to tighten or seal? Correct.

Interesting don't know if it's true...
"The Welch plug was originally designed in the 1900s at the Welch Motor Car Company in the United States. Prior to the invention of the Welch plug, the core holes were sealed using pipe plugs. During the testing of a car, one of the pipe plugs backed out. In order to get back on the road, one of the Welch brothers installed a press-fit quarter or half dollar coin into the hole using a hammer. The design of the Welch plug was refined based on this principle of a press-fit metallic disc." (Wikipedia)

[Dale Finch]

After draining the steering gear housing, I scraped clean the area around the plug. I did see about a 1" long strip where the paint was soft, so probably where it was leaking. I sprayed it with carb cleaner, then blew it dry. I then pressed the plastic end of a dead blow hammer against the center of the Welch plug and wacked it good a couple times with a heavy hammer. It already had the original dent in the center, and I'm not sure I seated it any better.

I cleaned it again, dried it then put a thin bead of Permatex #1 around the edge of the plug. It dried overnight, and I just refilled the steering gear housing. I'll know if it is still leaking tomorrow, and let you know!

[CapeCodCubs]

Well, did it leak?

[Dale Finch]

Oh my! I had been so busy today setting up my electrolysis tank, and totally forgot to check it.
So I just went out to the garage and...TA DA!!! No evidence of any leak! I'll TRY to remember to keep an eye on it, and will certainly let you know if it starts leaking...at which time I'll go ahead and put in the new one I now have in my spare parts drawer!