Traced a water leak on my saph back to one of the core plugs on the exhaust side of the head so a new plug is needed.

Anyone got any tips on how to remove these? Looks like it would be easier with the manifold removed, however I said to myself last time that I would never do that job again with the head on/engine in the car!

Hopefully I can just remove the downpipe for access, here is a pic

 

Drill hole in centre and prise out. Use a block of wood to lever against.

 

If I can get a drill in there, not looking forward to this job

 

Sometimes you just have to take things apart....both to get parts out and ensure any new one you fit is in correctly.

 

I suppose I'm in no rush to do it so can take my time.

Will these plugs spin if you hit them with a hammer and screwdriver? Or are they against a lip in the head?

 

Not in the same place, but last time I did one, I knocked a screwdriver through it I'm sure...

 

It might...you might just knock a hole in it, or it could end up inside the waterways in the head which you then still need to get it back out.

Ideally though try and pull it out and as it's already corroded it should be easier to get something in to try that.
Oil seal pullers are pretty handy tools

But they can be awkward both to remove and get back in as they are just an interference fit. Hence the better access you have the more chance you have of not making a mess.

 

Im doing the same thing this week.iv removed the turbo an exhaust manifold for easier access.i used a tool which is like a small sliding hammer which is like a screw on the end..I made a little hole for the screw to go into,screwed it in then gave it a few slides an it came out.i did try to hit it with a hammer an chisel but is a bit dodgy doing that way by hitting the head..

 

Think I've decided I'm going to take the manifold off, even though it's a complete pain in the arse.

I know the slide hammer tools you mean, I might invest in one. Last think you want to do is damage the head

 

For me the days of trying to do things without the right tools for the job or leaving parts in place which get in the way are long gone. It may seem a lot of extra work but once you have a clear working space the job is so much easier to do and eliminates the risk of damaging something else.