Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Inlet manifold core plug - water seeping

On our 1973 plus 8 RHD it seems as the core plug at the inlet manifold - between the two SU carbs- is not tight. Even if the engine has not been on for some time, water is found at the plug, which is concave and hence acts as a small bowl. Is this common and what to do about it? Guess it has to be changed but can that be done without major disassebly work and how to do it? And why are there (cooling) water at the inlet manifold? Is it to cool down the air/fuel mixture to gain more power? Cheers /Finn

My mid 80`s +8 has Stromberg carbs, I have not done other than maintenance on the engine, though from a dull memory the inlet manifold has as part of it`s construction water channels that carry coolant beteewn the two cylinder heads, though if the inlet manifold gasket is leaking perhaps oil might show up in the water. Core plugs can rust from the inside outward. Perhaps if you can post a pic of the offending area..?

Should you have difficulty posting pics, I think you can post direct from a computer into the photo gallery as opposed to finding your way to post directly in a thread..?

I have replaced a core plug on a Twin cam at the side of the road with a "copper" coin, but then that is just another story of running old cars..