[KingColt]

I'm trying to remove the rear steam rivets with out pulling the heads.

Has anyone done this successfully?

I've tried researching it but I've found little advice.

 

[Blown376]

I believe that it's possible if you take your time. Add some Vaseline to the plug and slowly drill a smaller diameter pilot hole. The shavings should get contained in the lub... I mean Vaseline! Go with a larger diameter bit and the balance of the plug should come out in larger pieces.

 

[DrMongo]

Similar to blowns instructions, however, instead of trying to completely drill out the plug, drill a small diameter hole, thread in a self tapping screw, use a pry bar to simply pull the plug out. If the plug is resistant, just add a little heat to the area around the plug with a small torch and they will come right out. Be really careful not to push them into the head when drilling the initial hole

 

[KingColt]

Similar to blowns instructions, however, instead of trying to completely drill out the plug, drill a small diameter hole, thread in a self tapping screw, use a pry bar to simply pull the plug out. If the plug is resistant, just add a little heat to the area around the plug with a small torch and they will come right out. Be really careful not to push them into the head when drilling the initial hole

What size drill bit should I use you think?

 

[DrMongo]

Depends on what size screw you use. Iwouldnt drill more than 50-60% the diameter of the base of the plugs. Make sure to use a screw with a head you can get hold of.

 

[KingColt]

Depends on what size screw you use. Iwouldnt drill more than 50-60% the diameter of the base of the plugs. Make sure to use a screw with a head you can get hold of.

Should I try to tap it

 

[DrMongo]

I would not waste the time trying to tap it. It is extremely thin metal. I had no trouble getting it done with a self tapping metal screw

 

[cav454]

You can literally just punch them inwards. They are just tiny welsh plugs.

 

[KingColt]

You can literally just punch them inwards. They are just tiny welsh plugs.

Just push them into the heads!? I'm not pulling the heads off so they will be floating around in the coolant? Possible creating a hot spot some where?

 

[KingColt]

I would not waste the time trying to tap it. It is extremely thin metal. I had no trouble getting it done with a self tapping metal screw

How did you get the hole started?
On mine the center is slightly raised and I can not get the drill to stay on center.

 

[cav454]

Just push them into the heads!? I'm not pulling the heads off so they will be floating around in the coolant? Possible creating a hot spot some where?

You drill it, Burs will fall in. They are tiny, won’t cause a drama flush it if worried.

 

[KingColt]

You drill it, Burs will fall in. They are tiny, won’t cause a drama flush it if worried.

I still can't get the drill too stay in the middle. How do I get it started when the drill wants to walk all around the center.

I suppose if no big piece fall in it wouldn't be too bad

 

[Karch]

Center punch!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rubber Duck]

Center punch, very small pilot drill bit, larger drill bit, and then hopefully the freeze plug will collapse so that you can pull it out with a small pair of pliers. However, there’s still a very good possibility the freeze plug will fall in.

 

[loweredd]

Center punch, then a skinny step bit.

 

[SpankyZ28]

If you are concerned about chips falling in use thick n tacky red grease and drill a little at a time removing the grease and chips each time, apply more grease and go a little more. Keep doing this till you are thru. Since you are having a hard time keeping it centered stick with the small drill bit and one side will be thinner and you can collapse it and pull it out with a pic.

 

[KingColt]

I'll definitely try that thank you.
I'm more so worried about a big piece falling in more so then some small shaving. I think the shavings would flush out. But a big piece could get stuck some where and make a hot spot potentially but idk.
I just order a punch should be here soon with prime.

 

[KingColt]

Ok I got the rivets out!! When drilling them i think just a tiny piece of the center part might have went in the head. Should I be worried about that? I'd say 95% I was able to get out.

I ended up getting a screw extractor and hand twisted it into the collar then I had to grab it with some vice grips and whack it with a hammer upwards. It was kinda A Pain to do but finally they both popped out.

Here is a drawing of the part that I think might have went inside. The red bit.