1968 Camaro 396 L78 Block drains

[Maxsg1973]

Quick question,
What are the correct oil galley plugs and coolant drain plugs in the block? Does any one have pictures of the correct oil galley and coolant block drain plugs?
Thank you

[z28z11]

I'll check my two blocks on the 'morrow - one November one December JH code orignals. Post then -

Regards,
Steve

[69Z28-RS]

Is there some reason they would be different than a small block plug?

[Maxsg1973]

I believe the coolant drains should be the hex head style. Can anyone confirm? See pic Thank you

[firstgenaddict]

Correct - the originals are hex headed, I can't tell if the ones in the photo are brass - they should not be brass however after painting no one would be the wiser.

[Maxsg1973]

Thank you! So lastly are the oil galley plugs square drive?

[firstgenaddict]

I believe they were, however every newly built engine I remember lately has had recessed allen headed plugs.

[69Z28-RS]

All of the original engines of that era that I've ever owned or torn down had the hex headed bolts such as shown in Max's photo (except they were steel not brass)...

[Maxsg1973]

The plugs in the picture are steel and are zinc plated. The picture is poor and makes them look brass.

[Maxsg1973]

Here is a better picture of the coolant drain plugs. They are NOS.  69Z28-RS are you saying the oil plugs are hex also like the coolant plugs?

[69Z28-RS]

No, I was referring to the block-side coolant drain plugs (which is what I believed the topic to be?)..

[Maxsg1973]

Understood. I was asking about both. Can you confirm what oil galley plugs? Square? I was told square but can't find any pictures or reference material.

[Stingr69]

The 2 block drains are in the middle of the block near the oil pan and have been hex headed on any original block I have seen.  The oil gallery threaded plugs are recessed square so a small socket wrench extension will fit them.  There is a unique male headed square plug on the front top of the block near the timing cover you see on Flint built engines.  If you see a recessed allen head socket plug I would suspect it was put there by someone well after the engine left the factory.

[bcmiller]

From a 1969 427, hex head. Would be the same for a 1968 396.  Sorry for the paint, oil and dirt.

[Maxsg1973]

Thank you Gentleman! Now I have to locate the square plugs.

[z28z11]

Head detail from one of my '69 272 JH blocks. There is a marking somewhat legible in this photo, "U" or "D" if I make it out right. Definitely steel plug - block was assembled 12/15/1968.

Regards,
Steve

[Stingr69]

There are larger square socket plugs used typically in cylinder heads too.