Core Plugs Please help - Problems Removing

[marcogolfo]

Hi I have a problem.? Apparently one of my core plugs has gone on my 16 valver.? Can I do this myself and can anyone walk me through the process.? The mechaninc at my garage says he would have to take the driveshaft and inlet manifold off.? The location of the plug seems to be just underneath where the manifold is.? Help is much appreciated because im gonna struggle to find 150 quid to fit a 75 pence part.
thx
marco

Well I figured I can reach the plug without going through all the difficult stuff.  I had a look at it and it has a big hole in it.  The problem is I can't get it out.  How do you remove them???  For the moment I have just stuck chemical metal in there with a 2penny piece ...flippin nightmare

[mk1]

Drive shaft and the inlet manifold?, think he meant exhaust manifold. Not a good job to do with the car on axle stands, best done on a ramp. Only take this on if you want to lay on your back getting $#ite in your eyes.
Steve.

[marcogolfo]

cheers, so it is achievable?  How do you go about it though, just get the plug and gasket seal it or what?  I don't want to have to pay someone 150 quid thats all.  At the moment I've just smothered some of that chemical metal stuff over it as a temperorary emergency job because I ahve to get about as I live in the middle of nowhere.  I can manage to reach it if I take the water bottle out although it is a little fiddly.  Is it necessary to take of the manifold and the driveshaft?  What I mean is do I have to batter the new one in or what?   Sorry for being so clueless, hey everyone has to start somewhere.  Since I bought the golf I've learn't how to do just about everything myself apart from engine stuff lol.
cheers for the reply
regards
marco

[mk1]

Yes it is achievable, is it the core plug near the g/box end?. I get them out by turning them sideways using a punch and a hammer. Put the punch (or long flat bladed screwdriver ) on a edge of the core plug and tap so as to knock it in on one side. Once it has, turned lever it out. Make sure the block is clean and put a smear of sealer on the edge of the block and tap in the new core plug (keeping it "square") until it is flush with the block. Good luck.
Steve

[Gambit]

use an extension with a big socket (as close to the same diameter as poss!!) when putting it on. this will give you equal pressure when hammering in it, making sure it goes in square

then just hammer the end of the extension

[marcogolfo]

it is on the gearbox end, fortunately i dont have to get it out because its already blown out and theres just a bit of chemical metal holding it in.  by the sounds of things i wont have to take the manifold and driveshaft off because i can reach it although i spose it is fiddly.  Thx alot for your help i really appreciate it.  Sounds like a case of batter the old one out and bash the new one in square.
cheers guys thats a bit of a relief
regards
marco