4" Merc crank cleanout plugs

R

russcc

Well-known member
Need help finding a source for the cleanout plugs in the 4" Merc crank. Prefer not to drill and tap them, just use original type plugs. Thank you.
 
Walt, Bill Boomer says in his Crank ID article, that most Canadian 4" cranks had 3/8" cleanouts. Do you also find this to be true?
 
My NAPA store said they didn't carry Dorman. The Carquest store had them in stock, OReilly could oder them. Carquest was cheaper.
 
HotRodmicky said:
How do get them out of the crank?
Click to expand...

Drill a hole in the plug with a long drill, tap the hole 3/8 course, use a slide hammer and clunk the plug out. Clean the hole out good before you bring the crank to the cleaners, they usually have a lot packed crap in there, some times a jet washer don't it out good. Walt
 
russcc said:
Need help finding a source for the cleanout plugs in the 4" Merc crank. Prefer not to drill and tap them, just use original type plugs. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Hi Russ, too risky reinstalling pressed plugs, definitely recommend tapping for 3/8" NPT.

We've taken many out with a simple body shop type dent-puller. Start by drilling a small access hole in the old plugs.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I believe you can tap them without any drilling on the Merc shafts! Not all that bad of a deal?
 
There are numbers posted on this forum (I should hunt them down again and consolidate the info) for Dorman Merc plugs, Ford plugs, and the pan rail plugs for earlier flatheads and Lincolns. I found the ones I needed on Amazon. Click click.
 
I have always installed the press in plugs. I do stake around them. Has anyone ever had a problem with one coming out?
 
Walt, right on the money, my NAPA dealer has that Dorman 555-010 right on the shelf. They used to have machine shop at one time. May explain it. Will report the cost when I get them. The machine shop that did the crank pulled the plugs, chipped out the crud, and jet washed the cleanouts. Mucho debris. Was part of the crank grinding and balancing deal. Thanks again to Walt and the Fordbarners.
 
Those plugs are special, extra long, and driven in, I doubt they would ever come out on their own, as they are a real chore to get out in the first place.
 
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