replacing freeze plugs
 

While replacing my alternator, I discovered I have a couple of freeze plugs that are rotting and starting to leak when the engine is cold. They are on a 77 2wd w/460, and luckily it is not the ones right next to the mounts.

How do I get the old ones out and new ones in? I fear the old ones do not have much longer, they have the cancer and the corrosion is pretty deep.

thanks once again.

ackusackus

replacing freeze plugs
 

Think about biting the bullet and replacing all of the freeze plugs. Chances are if one is bad many others are too. Replace your coolant more often in the future, the corrosion inhibitors do become depleted. If your coolant is clean you can buy replacement inhibitor at the parts store.

Drain the cooling system and the block. Save the coolant for re-use if possible. Dump it down the toilet if it is all used up. The sewer plant bugs just love antifreeze, they thrive on it. Clean up any spills and wash them down with water to keep animals from drinking it.

Knock the plug out with a screwdriver or punch. Clean the block surfaces and remove as much crud as you can from the water passages. Put a SMALL amount of Permatex Aviation Form-a-Gasket on the surface and the plug edge. Drive a new plug back in with a large socket or a flat plate. Clean off the excess sealer.

replacing freeze plugs
 

another way to remove the frost plugs and not loose them in the block, is to drill a hole just big enough for about a 5/16 self taping sheet metal screw, then screw the screw in, put tension on it with a pry bar, they using a punch, drive one edge inwards, this should disloge the plug, and alowe you to remove it.

replacing freeze plugs
 

very cool, thanks for the info...I kinda figured that was what it was going to entail. but I wanted to check with the pros first.

The 2 beside the motor mount look peachy, practically new...its the 2 in front of it that look like warmed over cow poo.

How many freeze plugs are on the 460 any way?

I have a leak that just sprung today that is actually dripping off the fuel pump...is there a plug up by that? I did not trace beyond that....

thanks

ackus

replacing freeze plugs