89 7.3 IDI Valley Pan Plug - Diesel Forum

capt324 · 03-23-2008, 04:03 PM

Does anyone know anything about the plug in the valley pan that is directly behind the down tube for the CDR valve and underneath the glow plug controller? I am new to Diesels and going over the engine in this truck. This plug has a 3/8 ratchet (square) hole that I am assuming should have a bottom. The plug on my truck appears to be rusted out or something because you can see through the bottom of the square hole and it appears that I can see into the space where the CDR downtube also goes. You cannot see into the lifter valley but it definitely goes below the plug. Should this plug be like this? I tried removing the plug but it will not budge. What is this plug for and should it have a solid bottom? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

suv7734 · 03-23-2008, 08:25 PM

The plug does have a hole all the way through. It drains into a passage that exits at the rear of the block. That way any fluids that build up in the valley pan wil drain away.

icanfixall · 03-23-2008, 11:35 PM

Yes... Its just as posted above but... When any fluid in draining thru it the fluid will run down the bellhousing and drip off the starter area. It really makes a big mess but its really needed. Ford no longer makes these plugs. I bought about 12% of what Ford had left. I got 10 of them.... Spares are always good to have...

ClassicFordGuy · 03-26-2008, 01:03 AM

And if you do need to get it out its in there REALY tight, just rebuilt my 7.3 and I thought I was goint to break something breaking it free, think its got some kind of thread sealer/adhesive on the threads.

-Rob