Core Plug Help?

[PJ Stone]

I have recently obtained a triumph spitfire 1500 from my uncle that has been sitting on his drive for around 6 years. Today i decided i would start work on it and thought i would top up the radiator with coolant. When i looked inside the radiator there was no coolant to be seen and the attached bottle was completely dry. This is when i decided that i would do a complete flush through, this went well and removed a lot of muck and bits that have settled in there over time.
Anyway, when i relinked the bottom hose and began filling her up with the coolant mixture, i noticed it started flowing out of the side of the engine block and it can be seen that the centre of the threee core plugs are missing.
Sorry for the long story, but i thought i would fill you in on how i came across this problem.
Well finally, my question is, where could i find a replacement core plug and is there any problems that may have been caused if it has not been sealed for a long period of time already, thanks.

[Jason]

A core plug set is pretty cheap, all the usual suppliers should have them so unless you have a preferred local supplier go to www.canleyclassics.com and you'll find them there. They are sometimes called Welch plugs too. Easy enough to fit.

Depending upon how long and how the car's been stored will dictate what's deteriorated. 6 years means drain the fuel and renew it, renew the fuel and oil filters, drain the oil and refill, careful check of fuel and brake lines - I suspect you'll have hydraulic issues sooner or later. You might have to clean out the cars too. There will be other things like electrical issues but they are usually pot luck!

Welcome to the Forum!

[Velocita Rosso]

OK first things first
You can get either individual or kit core plugs from any usual outlet like TD Fitchett, Rimmer etc. Easy to find from any where
Are they accessable or do you need to remove head/manifold etc
Smack a screwdriver into whats left and lever out
Clean up surfaces
Smear light amount of sealer onto edges of new core plugs
Use a socket that will fill the plug concave and then hammer into place squarely
( at this point other members come on and say that they prefer to do it another way)

[PJ Stone]

thankyou very much, a great help. Ive purchased a core plug kit for £6 for the spitfire on ebay. Jason your right, my brakes barely work although they still are quite good when you push to the floor. Anyway i think i am going to get some new brake lines and suposedly refurbished calipers were installed years back, so yhen it will just need bleeding hopefully. I have also got a new oil filter and am hoping to change the oil in a week or so. thanks again.