Removing a new leaking core plug
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 248
Likes: 11
Removing a new leaking core plug
After searching for hours on where my antifreeze leak was coming from I pressurized the system to find it from a core plug just below the #7 Sparkplug hole. This is a newly rebuilt engine with Zero Hrs.
I tried to driving a punch on the top side of the core plug to get it to move hoping the opposite side would pop open, but all I did was create a hole. so, I used a cole chisel in the same area and now the whole plug has moved further inside the casting wall. Keep in mind this engine is in the car and am working with limited space. My next step would be to drill a hole on the opposite side of the plug and use a seal puller ro hopefully jerk this thing out. All opinions gladly appreciated. Thanks
I tried to driving a punch on the top side of the core plug to get it to move hoping the opposite side would pop open, but all I did was create a hole. so, I used a cole chisel in the same area and now the whole plug has moved further inside the casting wall. Keep in mind this engine is in the car and am working with limited space. My next step would be to drill a hole on the opposite side of the plug and use a seal puller ro hopefully jerk this thing out. All opinions gladly appreciated. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
C3Fixer,
Safety first. I would disconnect the battery. Those chisels, hammers, drills and punches cause fireworks if they contact the solenoid.
Don't want to fry a fusible link or something..
Look around on YouTube. There were some tricks on how to ****** that freeze plug out.
I have seen a predrilled hole in the plug for a lag bolt. Those bolts really get a bite on the plug. Then its a matter of grabbing the bolt with visegrips.
What ever sealant you used failed or the block was really rusty.
Good Luck
Safety first. I would disconnect the battery. Those chisels, hammers, drills and punches cause fireworks if they contact the solenoid.
Don't want to fry a fusible link or something..
Look around on YouTube. There were some tricks on how to ****** that freeze plug out.
I have seen a predrilled hole in the plug for a lag bolt. Those bolts really get a bite on the plug. Then its a matter of grabbing the bolt with visegrips.
What ever sealant you used failed or the block was really rusty.
Good Luck
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 248
Likes: 11
Thanks for the heads up. This Freeze plug was installed by my builder so not sure what sealant was used. Any ideas as to what is best so I don't have this issue again. hopefully I don't have another problem with another plug especially one behind the motor mounts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I hear ya.
I did a quick Google search.
Of course, some said Permatex Black.
One said shellac.
Some said Permatex #1.
And some said Loctite.
Permatex Black is a good ole standby. But its more common for oil & gas, ATF and other fluids.
Whenever you want to stop a leak, you have to ask yourself what fluid is behind that part.
(freeze plug) Nothing but water & glycol.
Having said that, I would use Permatex Waterpump and Waterneck sealant.
Small tube found at Autozone.
Its special. Its glycol proof. Not all sealants are.
Use the biggest socket that will fit "inside" the freeze plug, to tap it in. Try not to hammer on the rim.
I would let it sit overnight before adding coolant.
I did a quick Google search.
Of course, some said Permatex Black.
One said shellac.
Some said Permatex #1.
And some said Loctite.
Permatex Black is a good ole standby. But its more common for oil & gas, ATF and other fluids.
Whenever you want to stop a leak, you have to ask yourself what fluid is behind that part.
(freeze plug) Nothing but water & glycol.
Having said that, I would use Permatex Waterpump and Waterneck sealant.
Small tube found at Autozone.
Its special. Its glycol proof. Not all sealants are.
Use the biggest socket that will fit "inside" the freeze plug, to tap it in. Try not to hammer on the rim.
I would let it sit overnight before adding coolant.
