viperjesse

OK, the short version. Built engine, freshly worked block, new freeze plugs etc.
Installed engine and trans, took 3 days, ready to start and run. Noticed antifreeze dripping out of the flex plate cover. Disassembled drivetrain from engine back to get to the leak.
It was the upper right freeze plug. Took it out, cleaned the bore.

I felt a score or scratch in the bore. I used #2 gasket sealer and a new freeze plug.

Started the engine - sounds and runs incredible. Saw antifreeze streaming out of the flex plate cover.
$#@*&^%%#@$ Freeze plug again.

Has anyone used those rubber freeze plugs that you install and tighten the bolt to expand? And do you think one would solve my sealing problem? The scratch isn't very deep at all but you can feel it with your fingernail.

Or has anyone else solved a leak of this sort? WITHOUT reboring?
Thanks in advance
JZ

PatsLs1vette

Ived used copper permatex to stop one from leaking,one light coating on block drove in freeze plug then a coating all the way around it and let it dry.Ive used the rubber ones too with good luck.

Blue Ace

I have also used the rubber plugs and have had no problem.

VettePower

Another Vote here for the Rubber Plugs!!

viperjesse

Thanks guys - rubber it is.
Now to tear all that stuff down AGAIN!!

This time it gets pressure checked BEFORE I reassemble.

mountainmotor

Buy a brass core plug , lay it on the bench and expand it very slight with a 2x4 and hammer . Then lightly sand both block and core plug surface for etching purpose then just use locktight red after cleaning with acetone .

The brass core plug should contour itself by virtue of being soft and fill that groove you speak of .

SanDiegoPaul

NIX there's no way I'd use one back there where it's so inaccessable. I know it's a pain in the **** to get the plug changed but this time, get a radiator pressure tester and let it sit with 12-13 pounds of pressure on it overnight BEFORE you put the trans back in place.

gerry72

Everyone wonders why there's a Permatex #2. If there's a #2, then what's the #1? Permatex #2 is a non-hardening gasket sealer used primarily for paper-based gaskets. Permatex #1 in a hardening sealer used primarily for pipe threads and things like core plugs. Using the wrong Permatex for the wrong thing makes bad things happen. Core plugs are installed with #1.

mountainmotor

I don't use anything but the locktight as a lube to drive them in .

A Jet Boat and how the Rat motors are cooled will make over 120lbs pressure at WOT and if not bypassed can cause water to get into the oil from a couple of places ..... never blew one out my way .

I have though seen many blown out using Permatex type sealers and the rubber expandable plugs although the rubber ones hold well , just not long on a street car .

The rubber develops a slime on them , some type of bacteria that the coolant does not have additives to control

viperjesse

Will the Loctite or #1 sealer fill that small scratch enough to hold under pressure?
I was thinking the rubber would most definately squish into any deformities to seal. As far as life expectancy this will probably see about 800 miles per year and although I will run it it won't be a track car.