Need to replace core plugs in heads and rocker arm shafts?

[Trevor B]

When reconditioning cast iron heads, do you all replace these core plugs?

Any way to check to see whether they need replacing?

Got my junkyard 302 heads gasket matched and was ready to send them to the machinist for a valve job but then read in the Don Taylor/Larry Hofer book that those plugs should be pulled and replaced.

 

[TrailBeast]

They should, but if the rest of the cooling system is clean I might not.
They really should if the heads are going to be hot tanked.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Why wouldn't you? What are they? 39 cents a piece? If your budget is that tight or your skills that low, it might be time for a new hobby.

 

[PhillH]

Why wouldn't you? What are they? 39 cents a piece? If your budget is that tight or your skills that low, it might be time for a new hobby.

X2, really these are so so cheap, why wouldn't you. Don't try to reuse the head gaskets either, even if they look good, or the spark plugs, but maybe clean those they are like $2.49 apiece.
I appolagize in advance.

 

[PhillH]

Just do what Don and Larry say, you'll be fine.

 

[krazykuda]

Replace them...

 

[Trevor B]

Fair enough.
Budget is not that tight, skills are improving gradually.
Of course it's not about the money... just time.
Only a few hours a week to work on this thing and was hoping to drop them off at the machinist tomorrow.
I will replace them - that is the answer to my question.

 

[67Dart273]

And now, it's time for another story from the old days........................

AFTER I swapped the 340 into the 70RR, I "went through" the used 440 that I had in it for a little while (the original 440 "died) and so I sent the heads down to the parts / machine shop that the hobby shop used. I told them I wanted the heads fully checked over, milled if needed, hot tanked, valves reworked, and REPLACE ALL THE FREEZE PLUGS

So I got them back and !!!MAN!!! were they pretty!!!! All clean and "done" 'n painted 'n EVERYthing!!

The engine went together and into the black '64 Dodge it went. And I drove it for ???? a few miles.

And one day.....................!!!!/////??????*&&&&)))))____&^^%%%^%ppppssssssssiiiiiiississsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssiiiiiffffffpppphhhhhsszzzzzzztttttt!!!!!

And so I get out and open the hood, and ????

THE PLUG on the passenger side, ON THE BACK END of the head UP AGAINST the firewall was LEAKING

Of COURSE they were the old freezed plugs......!!!!! The shop had done everything I asked "except." Rusted right through that brand new PAINT!!!

 

[67Dart273]

^^So, no, of course I would not replace them, !!!NOT!!!^^