Crankshaft Oil Plug Leak

[tiemeyj]

After 500 miles of leak free running on my recently resealed '74 2.7 engine, I discovered a leak coming from the engine / transmission joint. I checked the TOD and it was bone dry. Confirmed it was not my CIS airbox drain pipe too.

As part of the reseal, I replaced the RMS with a Genuine part and installed using a factory tool. Also applied JB Weld to the oil galley plugs and put a small smear of Threebond 1182 on the crankshaft oil plug at the flywheel mating surface and retorqued all of the perimeter bolts.

I have the updated oil line restrictors in place which are drilled out to 4.3mm, but I'm seeing oil pressures of 85-90psi on cold mornings (well...cold for San Diego). Pressure drops as expected as it warms, but I have a feeling either the case plugs or crankshaft plugs are leaking maybe because of the elevated cold pressure? I know a lot of folks have issues with new RMS's which I'll likely swap at my next oil change.

Are leaks at crankshaft plug common? Can they be replaced safely enough with the crank in place? I was thinking about trying some of the green Loctite 290 wicking thread locker on that plug when I swap the RMS. Any thoughts?

Here's a picture of my original RMS right after I pulled the flywheel. I'm talking about the plug circled in red.

[tiemeyj]

Hit the submit too fast! I'm referencing the plug on the crank at 1 o'clock (not in red)

[stownsen914]

Is there a rash of bad crank plugs or something? There was a similar post recently, I think in that case it may have been a plug under the pulley bolt?

[john walker's workshop]

Mainshaft seal perhaps?

[tiemeyj]

Rear main seal could be the culprit for sure. I’ll try the Elring version next and probably a Speedii sleeve even though I had zero evidence of a wear groove. The crank plug is either original or replaced in 2004 during the last rebuild. I’ve found a lot posts about plugs in my research though. I’m pretty disappointed with replacement parts these days, so I wouldn’t be surprised.