What is a "core shot?

Hi you have a Mitsubishi space wagon glxi you drove for 60 miles and the core plug shot out from behind the timing belt is this serious our is it just a matter of replaceing the core plug?

• Answer:

  The most likely problem for this is a blown headgasket. Exhaust gases will be leaking from the block into the waterways, hence pressurising the water system, and blowing out the core plug. The easiest way to check this would be to replace the core plug, fill the car with water and use a TK tester on the radiator. This detects exhaust gases in the water system, and will tell you wether or not the head gasket is definatly leaking.