what is this plug on my alpha drive???

[kramerpage]

Looks like a freeze out plug but that makes no sense...thanks

 

[achris]

It's the plug to close the passage between either side of the drive. It's there from when the drive was made and they needed a passage across the back of the drive, and that plug is what closes the passage, much like the welch plugs in old-fashion carburettors. As casting methods have evolved, much like the electronic ignition and fuel injection, the old methods of doing things have become inefficient and been rendered redundant.

Chris.....

 

[Bt Doctur]

called a "welch plug" DO NOT TOUCH IT OR REMOVE IT. It seals a cavity used in the machining process to drill the water passage hole in the upper case.
The machined hole is sealed with a pipe plug on the inside and the welch plug seals the cavity where the shift slide is.

 

[kramerpage]

Ok guys. Thanks so much. I removed stickers in preperation to paint the drive and came across it. I remember seeing these on carburetors back in the day but never questioned it.