I can't get the brass oil gallery plugs to fit in the block. I know it's supposed to be a tight interference fit but this is ridiculous. I check the OD of the plugs and the ID of the gallery holes--the plugs are alomst .030 bigger, which seems like A LOT. Do I just need a bigger hammer or what? I what to an auto parts store to compare their stock with the plugs I have--same size. HELP!

Thanks

What oil gallery plugs, in what engine? I'm not familiar with any oil gallery plugs that are brass. Most press in plugs are steel. More information would help.

SBC, 350 block.

So you are talking about the ones behind the timing gear? I don't know what the press fit should be, most I have seen are converted to threaded plugs. PM Wolfplace on this site. He will know how much larger the plugs are than the hole.

John,
Do you have the correct plugs ? The new blocks have a larger plug size and if you are tyring to use those in an old block it wont happen. The older blocks are all 1/2" I use a long 3/8" bolt in the middle of the plug to put them in.

Bill,
It's a '72 truck block. The plugs I have measure .5036" while the holes in the block are .5012. Does this seems right? I've only been able to drive a plug in a short way and that has resulted in brass being shaved back around the outside diameter of the plug. How much bigger are the plugs on the newer blocks? Are we talking a few thousands, or visibly bigger?
Thanks again.
John

John,
That is the correct plug. The new ones are much bigger. You are only talking about .003" (three thousanths) difference, that is what keeps it in place. They usually do scrape some metal off. Use a lomg 3/8" bolt in the middle to drive it in with instead of a flat piece. Once they are in, use a small chisel to "stake" them in place like the originals were.
By the way, you keep saying "brass" ... these plugs should not be brass they should be steel. I have never seen brass oil gallery plugs.
By the way, dont forget the plug that is "under" the rear main cap. It is in the oil gallery that goes up to the oil pressure sending unit hole.

Bill,
They are definitely brass and cam with a plug kit manufactured by Dorman. Also, the oil galley plugs that I found at Kragen were also brass. I finally succeeded in driving them in. I took a Dremel sanding drum to the lip of the holes and, literally, used a bigger hammer. They are in place. Should I pull them out and find some steel plugs? Is this a critical issue? Thanks for your patience.

John

John,
I dont guess the brass will hurt anything, I just have never seen it on the small oil gallery plugs. Make sure to stake them as the brass is softer and could possibly come loose ? Pretty doubtful but better safe than sorry.

Bill,

Once again, my thanks.

John