how hard to replace freezeplugs?

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Jan 12, 2003 | 05:11 PM

java0881

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Burning Brakes

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From: LIC NY USA

how hard to replace freezeplugs?

i took her out today and enjoyed the drive until i started smelling coolant and saw the temp rising rather quickly.i popped the hood and noticed the steam coming from below the header area.since i didnt want to crawl under the car in my "sundayclothing" i assume one of the freezeplugs let go.of course i hope i can get relativ easy acces to the plug .i am not looking forward to taking the engine out.has anybody done that with the engine in the car and do i need any special tools,sealants etc?
thanks for the help

Jan 12, 2003 | 05:42 PM

redwingvette

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From: Waterford Mi

Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (java0881)

To do the job right you should pull the motor. There are some in the back that you can not get to without pulling it. To remove them is easy. Take a screw driver and hammer and punch a hole in them and wiggle them loose until you can grab them with a pair of plyers. To install new ones you will need some type of sealer and a big socket. Tap the socket, not the plug, holding them as striaght as you can untill you see the edge of the plug is about a 1/16 of an inch inside the edge of the block.

Jan 12, 2003 | 05:44 PM

63Banshee

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From: WANTED: '68 rear valance with b/u light assemblies IM, e-mail, or PM me here. Thanks!

Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (java0881)

I wouldn’t try it with the motor in the car. While absolute perfection is not imperative, it is important to properly align the new plugs and I don’t see that happening with a motor still in a Corvette engine compartment.

I'd take my time to do it right and take advantage of the opportunity by replacing/restoring/refurbishing other items in the process.

I left out the obvious... replace all the freeze plugs while the motor is out.

[Modified by 63Banshee, 4:45 PM 1/12/2003]

Jan 12, 2003 | 06:19 PM

lyonsh

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From: Manassas, VA, USA

Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (java0881)

Are you sure it's a freezeplug that's the problem? Could be a head gasket.

Assuming it's a freezeplug, however:

IF (and that's a big if) you can get to it, you can replace a freezeplug with the engine in the car. You'll need some Permatex #2 sealer, which you apply around the outside edge of the plug (i.e., the part that contacts the engine block) and a freeze plug installer tool. The tool is a lifesaver - it has different size drivers to match up with the size of the freezeplug, and a bent arm to hammer on to drive them in - the bend is a big help. The drivers are sized so the plug is driven in to the proper depth.

In short, it can be done, but it's often a bear to do. :crazy:

Jan 12, 2003 | 06:19 PM

bn7035

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From: Weatherford TX

Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (java0881)

There is a way to do a Bubba fix until you have the time and money to do it right. There is a rubber freeze plug with a bolt running through the center of it. You put the rubber plug in and then tighten up the bolt. That causes the rubber to expand and seal the hole. I would suggest looking for the reason the orginal plug started leaking. If it's corrosion, you'll have a plugged radiator and run hot when the weather warms up. Do you have enough antifreeze in it? Did it get pushed out by frozen water? :eek:
You did not say which side it was on. If it was on the passenger side it could be a heater hose

[Modified by bn7035, 5:22 PM 1/12/2003]

Jan 12, 2003 | 08:20 PM

java0881

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Burning Brakes

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From: LIC NY USA

Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (bn7035)

Quote:

You did not say which side it was on. If it was on the passenger side it could be a heater hose

it is on the passenger side and i checked the hoses,but it definitely leaked in the area around the starter.i had the same thing happen to me once in a 66 mustang,similar temperature.that is why i guessed it is one of the plugs.
i just didnt want to go to the garage today and crawl underneath.
thanks for all the advice.if i can get to it,i am not going remove the engine. :smash:

Jan 12, 2003 | 08:28 PM

Smokehouse69

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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi

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Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (java0881)

It's tough to do right with the engine in the car, but it can be done. Just make sure the hole is clean and you put sealant around the edge. If you can't get to it to tap it in, then you either have to use a bolt plug or pull the engine.

Jan 12, 2003 | 08:42 PM

Mag Red Man

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From: Bradford,Mass.,USA

Re: how hard to replace freezeplugs? (java0881)

java, sounds like it's the same plug that was leaking on my 396, the one behind the starter.

Remove the starter, and pry the old one out. I used a slide hammer to get mine out. Then get a BRASS new one, not steel, as the steel corrodes. Any high-end machine shop (marine especially) should be able to supply one.

Consider yourself lucky, as the other freeze plugs aren't nearly as accessible.