Drain plugs

[Dale S.]

Why is one "circle A" drain plug worth $153.00 and the next $35.00? Dale

[Rob A.]

Re: Drain plugs

If the items are actually the same...I think people get caught up in the bidding...pretty soon it's not about the worth of the item, but being the winning bidder...or then there's the theory that the bidders were manufactured in an attempt to bring an unrealistic price.

[John H.]

Re: Drain plugs

A perfect reproduction of the circle-A drain plug just became available for ten bucks, including the plastic seal.

[Jack H.]

They aren't...

worth that kind of differential. In addition to circle-A, you'll also find TR, F-C, L and A head plugs that were used interchangeably, but for some reason it's the circle-A head mark that many covet.

About the only difference between offerings are:

(1) Is the plug NOS or used?

(2) What shape is the hex head + threading in?

(3) Is the original thin, clear washer present (that's IF you'd trust it to hold after this long anyway)?

Prices vary depending on who's in the market today and how many are bidding on a given part...

[Dale S.]

Re: They aren't...

I have never paid attention to my drain plug. Next ime I change oil I will look. I did find a 7/8 drain plug that has Ce in the center(looks like the small center e is touching the center of the larger C). Anyone know what this is? Dale

[Wayne M.]

What's the deal with the magnet on this 7/8" plug

Plug looks factory. Note the 3 punch marks at some distance from the circle with the "A".

[Michael H.]

Re: What's the deal with the magnet on this 7/8" p

Wayne,

At one time, GM/Chevrolet offered a magnetic oil drain plug as an "over the counter" item. In fact, if I remember correctly, both styles of the plug were listed in the parts book. I don't think it was ever Flint/Tonawanda installed in any engines but I suppose it's possible.

There are two completely different theories on the magnetic plug. One positive, one negative. On the positive side, the magnet supposedly gathers small metal particles that are common in engine oil. These particles can be wiped off the plug at oil change.

The negative theory is that the magnet can cause the particles to also become magnetic and attach themselves to other critical engine components and will not drain when the oil is changed.

I don't know if the debate was EVER setteled among several engineers at GM.

[Chuck S.]

Re: What's the deal with the magnet on this 7/8" p

The three "punch" marks appear to have been made when the headstamp was made by the fastener manufacturer, and not at St. Louis...the three equally spaced marks are likely the same as three radial lines indentifying the plug as Grade 5 strength.

An interesting insight on the magnetic drain plugs, Mike. While I am skeptical that magnetic drain plugs appreciably improve engine life by sucking up the iron/steel filings, I wouldn't think the force generated at the drain plug would be enough to tear magnetized filings off the magnet.

FWIW, I guess all the old guys must have retired, or they learned better: the 2007s have magnetic drain plugs as standard equipment. I have one I bought from the parts counter for my 2006, but after thinking about it, just never installed it.

[Michael H.]

Re: What's the deal with the magnet on this 7/8" p

I've always thought the magnetic drain plug was a good thing. I can't imagine metal particles being pulled off the end once attached by the magnet, even with the incredibly high flow of oil at that area at high RPM but I suppose it's possible.

[Robert Jorjorian]

My 65 396 has that exact plug in it . *NM*

[Michael H.]

Re: What's the deal with the magnet on this 7/8" p

Wayne,

Just looked in the 66 and 69 printing of the parts book and in group 1.453, there is a magnetic plug listed for 65-66 W/sp. H/Per., FI 327 and 396 and all 66 with 427. Just above that it shows a non magnetic plug for ALL Corvette with a different part number.

In a 1974 printing, two part numbers are shown, one magnetic and one non magnetic for ALL Corvettes. Owners choice I suppse. No specific car or engine is listed.

[Rick S.]

Re: Drain plugs

John,
Which vendor is selling the plug?

Rick

[Wayne M.]

Plug was in a 396 961 block T0607LF

cast E_14_5. Always thought it was original.

[Joe R.]

Re: Drain plugs

Long Island Corvette has them.

[John D.]

Re: My 65 396 has that exact plug in it .

RJ. My 63 has the original oil plug plug in it too. About as original as yours. Glad to here that Richie has a nice repro. That should cool the high prices on the originals a tad. Anyone have a pic of it??? Jr.