How Do You Replace A Freeze Out Plug?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
How Do You Replace A Freeze Out Plug?
When I dropped my starter today, to replace my solenoid (which made a world of difference) I noticed that the freeze out plug behind the starter was rusted and dripping anti-freeze.
What is my best way to remove and install a new freeze out plug?
I might just change them all, since I remember having to drain the anti freeeze, when I did it years ago on a 283 Chevy block. I don't remember the procedure.
Thanks
Jack
77 C3 L-82
What is my best way to remove and install a new freeze out plug?
I might just change them all, since I remember having to drain the anti freeeze, when I did it years ago on a 283 Chevy block. I don't remember the procedure.
Thanks
Jack
77 C3 L-82
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 4
From: . New Zealand
What I do is I get a drift, or an old socket extension, and drive one side of the freeze plug in at either 3 or 9 oclock, pick the other side of the leak point, when the freeze plug tips, get some channel lock pliers, grip the edge sticking out, and using the block hole edge as a pivot point, pull the freeze plug out. What you need to avoid when drifting the plug in, is the inner casting bore wall, some of the plugs end up fairly close to that so use that to pick which side you drift inward. Unfortunately, you won't be able to remove the 2 plugs at the rear of the block, but if lucks on your side, you may get away with it. From my experience, you should only regard this replacement as temporary only, if one has corroded, the others won't be far off doing the same, so plan on an engine or trans removal soon.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
I did three just like thmprr said. One fell in the block, but I didn't let it too far away. If I remember, I used my ext. magnet to keep it near the hole and grabbed it with channel locks and pulled like a b$%&# til it came out. Putting them in is no fun either. I didn't use sealer on the first one and it leaked, so had to start all over. Good luck and take an extra shot of patients before you start.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
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From: Florida
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Well, you do the ones you can get to and don't worry about the others until they start leaking, too. Another way to remove the plugs is to take a large flat-blade screwdriver and drive the blade into [and through] the plug near one edge. Then, just push the handle down to leverage the plug out of its bore. That way, the plug never can fall into the block.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
Well, you do the ones you can get to and don't worry about the others until they start leaking, too. Another way to remove the plugs is to take a large flat-blade screwdriver and drive the blade into [and through] the plug near one edge. Then, just push the handle down to leverage the plug out of its bore. That way, the plug never can fall into the block.
What's the best way to put them in?
Thanks
Jack
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
I take a socket of just smaller then the plug, tap on it square up, and watch carefully it seats plumb/square....offset the hammer blows to keep it even.....
I use RTV for sealant, and let cure over night....
never had a problem....and yes, brass plugs....
all the rest about removal worked for me, too....
I use RTV for sealant, and let cure over night....
never had a problem....and yes, brass plugs....
all the rest about removal worked for me, too....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
If there is only one leaking slightly, can I wire brush it and use a JB Weld type of cure?
If it works I save a lot of time.
Has anyone tried this. Everyone swears by JB Weld. I never used it.
Thanks
Jack
1977 C3
If it works I save a lot of time.
Has anyone tried this. Everyone swears by JB Weld. I never used it.
Thanks
Jack
1977 C3
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Call me Bubba!
Well, you do the ones you can get to and don't worry about the others until they start leaking, too. Another way to remove the plugs is to take a large flat-blade screwdriver and drive the blade into [and through] the plug near one edge. Then, just push the handle down to leverage the plug out of its bore. That way, the plug never can fall into the block.
That won't work.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
These work well and are super easy to install. should be at a NAPA
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-533-02480.aspx
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-533-02480.aspx
