Newbie question regarding Wading plugs

[Cassillis]

Hi all; Can someone please confirm a few things about wading plugs for my 1996 300TDi Defender 90.

1. How many do I need? Some confusion in the information I have been given some people say two others say only one
2. Where does it or they fit?
3. Are they left in on a permanent basis or should they be place in on the day of going out to play and then removed?  
4. Are they essential for simply crossing small fords or are they meant for long term immersion into water?
I’m certain some of these Q&A’s will be fairly common sense but I would like a definitive answer from you who are more in the know.

Thanks

 Graeme

[drmike]

I bought 2 plugs, one for the bottom of the timing cover the other for the bell housing. Both easy to see, get at and fit. Have a squint and you'll find them.

They should not be fitted all the time as the holes they plug are designed to let stuff darin out - what stuff is this though? If it's oil should the seals stop this? Anyway they should not be fitted all the time and if you do have them fitted for any length of time remove and see what comes out!

Personally I don't bother to fit them for a quickn splash through fairly clean water. I would fit them if I knew I was going to be in water for any length of time like 30 minutes or at a quarry say where the water has stuff in it. Then again I usually forget!

Good to have in truck but I wouldn't get to worked up over it!

Mike

[Budgie]

As Mike says, there is a threaded hole on the lowest point of the timing cover at the front of the engine and another in the same place on the bellhousing.

I leave mine in place all the time and just check them at regular intervals for any signs of oil leaks. I also take them out after every off-road trip to make sure no water has got in there.  

If you don't want them fitted all the time then I would advise fitting them if you know you are going near water, thee last thing you want is a slipping clutch and then for it the cluthc parts to start rusting. Likewise water in with your timing belt isn't a good thing either!!