65 FLH Cam Cover Welch Plug Leak

[Garym]

On the 63-65 Fl models, that have the outside oilers for the cylinder heads, there is a hollow screw, at the top of the cam cover, that directs the oil to the cyclinder head oilers. Directly above that is an oil passage that has a welch plug in it. My problem is that oil is leaking from the welch plug, and I prefer, at this time not to remove the cover, for repairs. The welch plug is 0.25" in diameter. It looks like, if I remove the hollow screw, that I may be able to punch the welch plug into the area normally occupied by the screw, and retrieve it, then replace it with a new one.

Has anyone had this leak, and come up with a method to repair it, with removing the cover?
Anyone have a good source for welch plugs?

Thanks,
Gary

[T. Cotten]

Gary!

Welch plugs seat onto a shoulder; You would damage it to push the plug inward, leaving a poor surface for the new plug.

Perforate the plug with a small punch and use a sheetmetal screw to pull it outward.

Plugs are probably a universal auto product, but a proper size punch should make one easily. The original sealer was red, like Gasoila or Glyptal.

Good luck,

...Cotten

[Garym]

Thanks Cotten. I was unaware of the plug sitting on a shoulder. It pays to ask!

Gary

[P LaLonde]

Gary, hear is another idea, after cleaning the area with Brake Cleaner, an blow drying it ,try some FINGER NAIL POLISH of that color. let it dry ,an refire your bike. I have used it before on automotive carbs, an other Small leaks.
Paul

[bmh]

Loctite has a cappilary action thread lock and sealer,It's designed for use on things that are already assembled. I think the number is 209, but I would have to check to be sure.
Brian

[Garym]

Thanks Everyone,

I tried the thread-locker(loctite green), and that did not work. I next tried the nail polish(I used clear) and it worked fine. It was a small leak, about 3 drops of oil, in 40 miles of operation.

Thanks again, for the tip!

Gary

[Garym]

Well, the nail polish lasted about 100 miles. What's next? Maybe J-B Weld.
Gary

[bmh]

How are you cleaning it before you apply anything? Nothing is going to stick if there's still oil in the nooks and crannies.
Brian

[Garym]

Hi Brian,
I used a wax and grease remover with a Q-Tip, and followed with compressed air.
Gary

[mmoore]

you probaly wont find a good sealer unless you use something like (shudder) jb weld which I would not do. but what cotten said was how we used to fix them at the dealership (years ago) using a sharp punch instead of drilling keeps shavings out of your oil. it does work and will probaly be faster than waiting to let the jb dry. I would use locktite on the new plug to help it seal. I used a slide hammer with a tip that would hold a screw I bought (cheap) years ago it beats pulling with pliers. it was made to pull dents out of fenders. give me a good measurement on the diameter of the hole as I still have some laying around and I will see if I have one.

[Garym]

Thanks. It's 0.25". The original welch plug is recessed quit a bit, so it looks like one could almost press another on top, depending on the thickness of the plug.
Gary

[Garym]

This is like beating a dead horse, but what ultimately worked best for me, was super glue. It's been about 500 miles, since the application.
Gary

[Garym]

I found that super glue worked the best. I have about 500 miles, since my temporary fix, and no leaks.
Gary

[Garym]

Just an update. I found that "Super Glue" worked best. It's been about 800 miles, and no leaks.

Gary