'63 327 Oil galley plug leak after rebuild questions

[Paul B.]

Galley Plugs.jpg
Hi all,
I just had the original 327 in my '63 rebuilt, but have now developed a significant oil leak from the bottom of the bell housing after the car reaches temp.

The block is freshly painted and no traces of oil from the usual places, valve covers, oil sender, distributor etc., had a minor leak at the pan gasket so I changed to be sure with a new one piece and sealed the corners etc., big leak still there.

I have a good buddy who is a retired career GM mechanic and car guy, he came over and we pulled the T10 out. It appears that the leak is likely coming from one or more of the three 1/4" threaded oil galley plugs, he says a leak that big from the main seal would not only begin after warmup. The builder (just retired), said he had to use an easy-out to get the three old ones out, so he installed the ones (photo) and sealed with a type of shellac thread sealant, evidence of leaking sealant on the block.

So my questions, bet you thought I’d never ask:
My mechanic friend finds the thread edges to be very sharp, possibly contributing to the leaking?
Should I just buy new plugs, does it matter for a ¼ NPT plug, if yes brand recommendation?
Should I clean inner and outer threads and seal with Permatex PTFE white sealant? If no, what sealant to use?
Is the correct torque 30 ft lbs?

Many thanks,
Paul

[Joe L.]

Galley Plugs.jpg
Hi all,
I just had the original 327 in my '63 rebuilt, but have now developed a significant oil leak from the bottom of the bell housing after the car reaches temp.

The block is freshly painted and no traces of oil from the usual places, valve covers, oil sender, distributor etc., had a minor leak at the pan gasket so I changed to be sure with a new one piece and sealed the corners etc., big leak still there.

I have a good buddy who is a retired career GM mechanic and car guy, he came over and we pulled the T10 out. It appears that the leak is likely coming from one or more of the three 1/4" threaded oil galley plugs, he says a leak that big from the main seal would not only begin after warmup. The builder (just retired), said he had to use an easy-out to get the three old ones out, so he installed the ones (photo) and sealed with a type of shellac thread sealant, evidence of leaking sealant on the block.

So my questions, bet you thought I’d never ask:
My mechanic friend finds the thread edges to be very sharp, possibly contributing to the leaking?
Should I just buy new plugs, does it matter for a ¼ NPT plug, if yes brand recommendation?
Should I clean inner and outer threads and seal with Permatex PTFE white sealant? If no, what sealant to use?
Is the correct torque 30 ft lbs?

Many thanks,
Paul

Paul-----

These plugs look right but I can't say, for sure, if the thread pitch is right. These should be 1/4-18 dryseal type plugs. The factory used a sealant similar to Permatex Indian Head.

By the way and not that it really matters, the original plugs used an internal square head drive, not a hex drive like the ones pictured.

[Paul B.]

Hi Joe,
Thank you very much for the reply, appreciated.
I've ordered some new plugs, don't want to risk the used ones, also bought a Permatex thread sealant recommended for the application. We'll start it up and check for leaks before reinstalling the transmission, fingers crossed!

All the best,
Paul