Replace core plugs in situ?

[JJDraper]

Checking the car over for winter, I noticed some serious corrosion on the rear core plug & some evidence of the same at the front - see pics. Can these be replaced in situ? I really don't want to pull out the engine & otherwise the engine is OK. Pulling the manifold is OK, but there isn't much room to pull out the old plug or swing a hammer to fit new ones..

Anyone else fitted new ones with the engine in place? These were fitted a long time ago, before my ownership - probably the last rebore.

Jeremy

[UAB807F]

Not the Elan, but I replaced core plugs on the Europa TC a few years ago without pulling the engine. Getting them out was easy, I hadn't had enough anti-freeze over winter and they came out themselves....

Fitting the new ones was ok. I probably had slightly more room to work but still a relatively short stroke for a hammer so I used a lump hammer for the mass and gently tapped them in place. The Ford ones I fitted weren't that hard to press in when I think about it, it must be the shape that keeps them in place. And of course it's not a lot of pressure in the cooling system to start with.

The top image does look a bit suspect with the rusting, I would be tempted to prod it with s screwdriver to see if you go through. The plugs are quite thick so if you do manage a hole then better to have it now and not on the road ?

Brian

[types26/36]

You may manage to replace them in place but dont forget there is another one at the back of the block (inside the bellhousing) you will not know what that one is like and they rust away from inside the water jacket although for some reason that one never seems as bad as the side ones.

[dpo#4]

Haven't done replacement on an Elan in situ, but might I suggest brass core plugs? Costs a little more but far cheaper in the long run. I have a special tool that uses removable adapters that attach to and swivel on the ball end of a striking rod, built much like an Elan inner tie rod (track rod), but the angle would be too great with the deep frame in the way. Heavy hammer sounds right. Good luck! - Ray