Front oil galley plugs, remove and tap or leave em?

Blown85GT · Feb 22, 2022

The block I just had machined (roller 302) has the original oil galley plugs in it.
I didn't think to have the shop remove and tap the front 3 while it was there.

I've read too many posts to make heads or tales.
Some say if they are original, don't bother.
Others say 'cheap insurance' to tap them.

Is there an easy way to tell if they are original?
If they are original, should I just leave them be, or pull them and tap for threaded?

96pushrod · Feb 22, 2022

I’d say if the block is completely stripped down then I’d tap them.

strokeme · Feb 22, 2022

aurdraco · Feb 22, 2022

Do you drill a small hole in any of them to direct oil at the distributor shaft, I think it is? My block is at a machine shop now and I'm taking notes.

superirish · Feb 22, 2022

Tap, just make sure to clean it good after, and make sure there are no burrs in the one front lifter bore from the tap.

Bentley · Feb 22, 2022

The machine shop did mine when it was being worked on.. Really nice plugs with sealer all installed...

Enjoy_the_Ride · Feb 22, 2022

I had a tap break off in the block once, definitely sucks.

strokeme · Feb 22, 2022

One can assume the block hasnt been washed, so it would be silly to leave them in.

Blown85GT · Feb 23, 2022

Tap it is.

Now, what is best way to remove old plugs?
Again, so many ways/opinions, not sure which works best.
I don't have a slide hammer, but I'm sure I can rent one from autoparts store.

strokeme · Feb 23, 2022

Just use a thin punch, bang a hole and and they pry out, very simple.

Mrsnorkel99 · Feb 23, 2022

There are different type of taps available bottom tap, plug tap and tapered tap. I used a bottom tap when doing mine.

Go slow and check your plug fit often as to not tap the hole to deep.

Front oil galley plugs, remove and tap or leave em?

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