I know i gotta do it, and I know where to do it. But I'm questioning what the easiest method is that is still effective for blocking off the oil passageway coming out of the drivers side of the block. I can tap threads for a plug, but the motor is somewhat assembled and I'd rather not deal with shavings if i can find another method. I read something somewhere about a inserting a large lead ball in the block passageway and leaving the head alone, which would be sort of like corking the hole. source for lead ball - fishing weight?? what about a small freeze plug? some possibly conflicting info: 1) just found a post stating that TA is recommending doing both the block and the drivers side head 2) from http://www.atlantabuick.com/CastingNumbers.htm -> "If left unplugged, serious oil leakage will result when 455 rocker shafts are used." ok, what if I'm using the 430 shafts?? 3) ta website says in the faq that you only need to do the block any options/suggestions? looking for the final word
I have done this before with the block on a stand. You can still tap the hole without shavings getting into it if you turn the block sideways so that the shavings do not fall into the passage. Then use some type of cleaner to flush any out and run out of (not into) the block. Use a small flat file to remove any burrs from the block surface after it has been plugged. Can't recall if it is 1/4-20 or 5/16-18 thread. I used and allen set screw to plug it. Another possiblity is to use a small enough cup plug and lightly stake it into place, again not raising any burrs on the block surface. It just may be difficult to find a small enough cup plug. To my knowledge 69 rocker shafts won't work as there is no provision for the plastic plugs that hold the later rockers in place. Not plugging the hole will result in a steady stream of oil leaking from the 70+ rocker shafts. Good luck, Mark
