dmayhew

I have removed most of the freeze plugs from a 350 block.

But I have encountered a speed bump. The rear plugs on both sides of the block are directly in front of a cylinder tube. The others are between 2 cylinders. On these others I was able to use a punch and push in one side to rotate the plug then pull out based on advice from others.

There is no clearance on these rear plugs to push in then r otate???

Do these have to be pulled out with something like a dent puller?

Thanks
David

Fastguy

You should be able to pry it out by hitting it on the edge and getting a tool behind it or using a vice grip.

dmayhew

Fastguy, That worked on the others , but on these I am stuck on it seems as if the cylinder bore tube is too close to allow these to pivot.

I am fearful that the hammering may transfer thru the plug and worst case crack the cylinder bore tube.

David

1Fordman

The two methods that have worked is a slide hammer with a sheet metal screw. The other is a curved chisel that goes between the freeze plug and the block opening. Drive it in to get the edge of the freeze plug rolled down then grab it with vise grips and out it comes.

Chandler

screw into the plug, then use a hammer and pull it like a nail.

Good luck!

jackson

small lag bolt from hw store.

If that won't work for you ... arc weld a bead on the plug's inside circumference groove ... the weld will shrink the plug & once cooled it'll probably drop loose ... this works for pressed-in bearing races.

dmayhew

Jackson

Thanks for the suggestion.

I got it out last night.

Just had to keep wresteling it.

Thanks to all for the help.

David

bahamasair

I just changed all of mine on my big block. I flipped the engine over on the stand and heard something jingle inside the block. After searching for a while with a flashlight I found an old freeze plug someone had knocked into the block and just left. I wasn't about to remove any of the plugs I just put in so had to spend an hour folding it up with a long screwdriver and yanking it out of a water passage that was about 1/2" wide.

dmayhew

I hear you brother.

Sounds like you hung in there and kick that problems " blank "

David

billla

This has always worked for me - seems that there's always at least one that just doesn't want to come out. For the rears, you have to drive it offset so you can get around the bore.