Anyone ever ever successfully replaced the welch plug in the rear of the cylinder head, without removing the head? It’s oh so tight with limited space between head and firewall.

I’m keen to hear how you went about it. Worst case scenario, the head will have to come off.

cheers.

No good news for you I think Benny .... The old one will be painful to remove as it will most likely be lightly corroded in and the new one is an interference fit which has to be set straight as you can imagine. Head gasket is cheaper than the anger management therapy that will be required otherwise!

Only had to do it once; I too pulled the head, I left the intake & exhaust attached.

ive done it once but had the gearbox out which made it possible from underneath, still had to swear at it though

Thanks for the replies, head came off. Probably best as upon inspection the valve stem seals were severely worn or missing. Good colour in the combustion chamber indicator good burn. Closer look at block under the headers, reveal the other Welch plugs were shot. It would have been a matter of time. Only one left to replace to the 50mm plug behind the flywheel.