Freeze plug located inside the timing chain of a 2013 Mini Cooper.

[MagicPod]

Hello, I am disassembling my engine to replace the head gasket due to coolant contamination in the oil. Discovered a freeze plug next to the timing chain? Is there anybody who can identify the origin of this?

[Videoman]

Indeed, we had to manage it ourselves

[Mindumer]

That may well be the origin of the coolant depletion.

Flightops has experienced the difficulties mentioned in the preceding discussion.

[engrol]

Unfortunately, this is rather prevalent among vehicles manufactured after 2010; BMW does not provide a core pug for the head in the UK.

[engrol]

I can repurpose the old one by applying extra strong thread lock, securing it in place, and then using a dull metal chisel to create indentations around the edge to ensure it remains fixed. For the final one, I fabricated a new core plug from an alloy billet and modified the angle.