Use a large punch to drive the soft plug into the block |
Once the soft plug has been inserted into the block, it can be grasped with pliers and pulled out |
2. Using a gasket scraper, remove all traces of gasket material from the engine block. Be very careful not to nick or gouge the gasket sealing surfaces.
3. Remove the main bearing caps and separate the bearing shells from the caps and the engine block. Mark the bearings, which cylinder they came from and whether they were in the cap or block.
4. Using a socket wrench of the appropriate size, remove any threaded plugs from the block.
5. If the engine is extremely dirty, it must be cleaned with steam or hot water.
6. After this, clean all oil holes and oil lines. Cleaning brushes are available at most auto parts stores. Rinse the channels with warm water. until the water runs clear, dry the block thoroughly and wipe all surfaces with lubricant to protect against rust. Use compressed air to speed up the drying process and blow out the grease holes and passages.
7. If the block is not very dirty, it can be washed with warm soapy water and a stiff brush. Regardless of the cleaning method used, ensure that all oil holes and passages are thoroughly cleaned, dry the block completely, and coat all surfaces with a thin layer of oil.
8. The screw holes in the block must be clean to ensure accurate torque data during assembly. Run a proper sized plug through each of the holes to remove any rust, corrosion or sludge and repair any damaged threads. If possible, use compressed air to clean out any dirt produced by this action. Thoroughly clean the threads on the main bolts and also on the main bearing cap bolts.
9. Reinstall the main bearing caps and tighten the bolts in the direction of the arrow.
10. After coating the sealing surface of the new soft plugs with a good quality sealant, install them into the engine block. Make sure they go in straight and are seated properly to prevent leakage. There are special tools for this purpose, but the same result can be achieved using a large socket and a hammer (photo).
Coat the new soft plug with sealant, then use a large socket type tool to guide it into the block, keeping it straight
11. If the engine is not being reassembled immediately, cover it with a large plastic bag to keep it clean.