[jd1979212]

Hello everyone,

I have the P218 Onan engine in my John Deere 316 and I believe is the welch plug popped out. I talked with a couple local shops and they have no clue what I am talking about.

Is it possible to still get a new one? or just use the old one?
How would you put the plug back in?

The hole where the plug popped out is right above the adjusting needle in the front.

When I get the plug back in, I think I will seal it with JB weld.

Any help will awesome.

Ben

 

[jd1979212]

I think I found a replacement plug.

Please let me know if this would fit the p218 onan engine.
http://onanparts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_23&products_id=66&zenid=4917f9c5573a26d33948f16a3b18a228


Ben

 

[mjpoylio]

Ben,
That should work just fine. Just make sure it's the 1 5/8" size that you need. Unless the bore was damaged, there is no reason to use JB weld on it. Though, it' won't hurt it if you use some. It'll only look as good as you make it look.
It's sad when we have local service shops that don't know some common terms (like "welch plug"). Though, not everyone can be an expert on all engines. Perhaps if people manning the counter/phone turned wrenches as much as they looked up parts on a computer, they'd make a connection between parts and terminology?

 

[charms]

Ben, the one on Onanparts is for on the block of the engine, not the carburetor. That little plug is easily lost if it comes out, but if you still have it, there should be no reason not to reuse it. JBweld will probably be okay.

 

[chuckv]

Here is a good image to judge for size/scale:

If I recall correctly -- it is approximately 3/8 inch in diameter...but you should measure the hole.

Chuck

 

[tntfarms]

I had the same thing happen. I took a fishing sinker and pounded it flat. Found a punch the same diameter as the plug hole and tapped the lead into the plug hole. I then pulled it out tapped it back flat once a plug was cut and tapped it out again then placed it in permanently. It worked great. A guy I work with recommended this procedure. Some carburetors have lead plugs. My 318 ran great afterwards.

 

[Hammerdown-7]

Hello Ben
I replaced my welch Plug in my Carburetor. I found the size that I needed at our Local Boat repair shop they had a Lot of them for Boat engine carburetors. I hope this help's, Kurt

 

[michael l.]

I sealed around the edges of the welch plug with nail polish to keep it sealed and from falling out.
I had the nail polish from buying it to use on the front site of my revolvers, to help seeing at dusk.

 

[jd1979212]

Thank-you all for your help and advice.
My Onan is now purring again.
I love them Onan engines, so much power.
Thanks again,
Ben

 

[akaothermick]

My Onan is pretty particular about the shade of nail polish I use on it, I hope yours isn't so fussy. LOL, back in the 60,s they used plastic model cement before Loctite became commonly used, nail polish will dissolve with carb cleaner so watch out,