[Firebob]

Anybody remember what size pipe tap it takes? Do I have to size the hole with a drill first or will the right size tap go right in?

[firechickenman]

3/8 NPT No drilling needed. Don't tap too deep as it is possible to block the oil passages if you do. You'll want the plugs about flush with the face of the block.

[Firebob]

Thanks.

[GOAT WHORE]

Firebob, not trying to be a smart ass but it is gallery. A galley is a kitchen.

[428GTO70]

Yup 3/8-18 NPT. Here is a pic of mine getting the deed. I did not drill it out first but it was tight and slow going. Just be very careful and you should be ok. Also worth noting that there are a few different thickness pipe plugs available depending on where you get them. If I remember right my frost plug kit came with a nice thin pair that I used. I had gotten some at the hardware store but they were much thicker and stuck out of the block more. I also added a hole for chain oiling to one of them. Not really necessary but figured what the hell.

[Cliff R]

Make absolutely sure to check the depth of the plugs, you may need to grind a little of the back to keep from blocking off the oil passages in the block. I also put a .030" hole in one of them for some additional spray on the timing set. There are no negatives from this modification and minute or so during the build.........Cliff

[gtofreek]

Originally Posted by Cliff R

Make absolutely sure to check the depth of the plugs, you may need to grind a little of the back to keep from blocking off the oil passages in the block. I also put a .030" hole in one of them for some additional spray on the timing set. There are no negatives from this modification and minute or so during the build.........Cliff

I used to do this until I primed an engine with the timing cover off and saw just how much oil floods out of the cam thrust plate onto the t-chain. It is a TON! Now I don't drill them anymore. Just the one in back to oil the distributor.

[Lee]

Make sure you rifle brush the all the passages THOROUGHLY, to get all the shavings out.

[JC455]

Use cutting oil too- it helps a lot!

[Firebob]

Thanks for all the advice. Galley/gallery, WELL I'M COOKIN NOW BABY!!!! I thought a gallery was some you shoot little ducks in.LOL.

[gene simmons]

Is there a torque spec for the 3/8" NPT oil gallery plugs? I have never seen one,and its not in any books by Rocky or Jim Hand.

My guess would be 25-30ft/lbs.

[JC455]

That's probably good. I just screw 'em in good and tight, but not too tight, and call it good.

[Firebob]

I usually loctite just about everything in these days anyway. Just for a little bit of added insurance.

[pippintook]

I agree about being careful how deep you tap and then the thickness of the plug.

I was inspecting my 1978 400 W72 block to see how far the oil gallery passages are from the front of the block. I did some quick measurements of each front oil gallery hole to see how far back the oil gallery passage is.
.
The driver's side oil gallery passage was approximately .4" from the front of the block. On the passenger side, the oil gallery passage was approximately .475" from the front of the block. (see pics). Others have reported their oil gallery passage was closer to front of block. So, i think it is a good idea to check.

[gtofreek]

Originally Posted by Firebob

Thanks for all the advice. Galley/gallery, WELL I'M COOKIN NOW BABY!!!! I thought a gallery was some you shoot little ducks in.LOL.

Or somewhere where you look at art!

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by gtofreek

Or somewhere where you look at art!

Or where they kept the Peanuts (God, I'm old)

[67cruiser]

Everyone has nailed it perfect!!! Cleaning and the riffle cleaning brush a absolute must!!
I just redid a fellows galley plug area & he was amazed of what came out of the area.

[Firebob]

cruiser, check your PM.

[ponjohn]

Why is this mod needed?

[chuckies76ta]

Well if you ever rebuild, you just remove npt plugs and clean.. Easier to inspect block again, again and again.. No need to restake plugs after rebuilt and worry about them falling out..
Just a good thing to do like deburring the block..