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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 12:42 AM
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Default freeze plugs

After installing my new 454, I filled the cooling system and let it sit overnight. When I went out in the morning there was a small puddle of coolant under the car. Three of the freeze plugs are seeping. Do I have any options other then pulling then out and replacing them? One is under the motor mount and the others are blocked by the headers, so I'd have to pull the headers and one motor mount.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 01:53 AM
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Uggg....that sucks.

I've heard that some have had success with Loc-tite Green?(I think it's the green) It's made to wick into tight spaces.I've never tried it, so I'm not sure how well this will work. If you have three leaking, I would pull them and replace them. I know that's probably not the answer your looking for ,but if they are leaking from just sitting, they'll be spraying once there is pressure and heat in the system from running it. I don't know how well "Bars leak" or some similar radiator stop leak will work on the freeze plugs, but if one of them lets go, your stuck wherever you happen to be.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 06:47 AM
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Sorry, but you need to pull 'em to do it right.
First, start with brass plugs, they've always lasted longer for me.
Second, don't forget to apply some sealant around the core hole before you push the plug in place, it can save some headaches.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 08:35 AM
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There are replacement plugs that will fix the issue if you can get the old ones out.
The replacement plugs are rubber with a large washer and a nut on the face of the plug. Once you install the rubber plug you tighten the nut, the rubber part swells to seal. Like a hand tightened pop rivit so to speak.
The only way to get the one under the motor mount repaired that I know of. I just called the local NAPA store and they have them instock by size.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by robwoz
After installing my new 454, I filled the cooling system and let it sit overnight. When I went out in the morning there was a small puddle of coolant under the car. Three of the freeze plugs are seeping. Do I have any options other then pulling then out and replacing them? One is under the motor mount and the others are blocked by the headers, so I'd have to pull the headers and one motor mount.
You say its a small puddle after sitting all night. Are you sure all three are leaking?

New engine? Give it a bit of time. Start it up get it good and hot. See if the leaking stops.

Jim
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 09:25 AM
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Get some bars leak tablets. Put two in the radiator and run it. Those horse pills as we called them were put in every vehicle that rolled off the assembly line
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 09:42 AM
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Do not use a Bubba repair, As stated above replace with brass core plugs, and seal with permatex. Al
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 10:15 AM
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I just did one on my 350 the other day.....lots of laying on my side to get that bugger out. I would not want to try 3 on a BB.

But as stated, if this is "new" engine, did the installer of the plugs not coat the surrounding of the hole/plug with a sealant?
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by L88Plus
Sorry, but you need to pull 'em to do it right.
First, start with brass plugs, they've always lasted longer for me.
Second, don't forget to apply some sealant around the core hole before you push the plug in place, it can save some headaches.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 04:09 PM
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Try installing the one under the motor mount. After a few hours see how good that rubber seals sounds.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 06:42 PM
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Has the engine been run yet? You must be close to starting it if you filled it full with coolant. Start it up and see what happens after wards. They might seal up.
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Old Nov 2, 2010 | 08:52 PM
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This type works well in tough places

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