hello all,
I have some questions about freeze plugs.
my truck is a 2wd/ 69/ f100/ FE390
Do i have to pull the motor out to replace the plugs?
only one rusted thru (driver side, middle)... but i decided there are more that are close... so im gonna replace them all
Ive also read that brass plugs are the way to go
also, are there plugs inside the bellhousing that touch antifreeze?
Or just the six on the block?

thanks in advance, -Luke

 

It's easier most of the time to just do one or two in the truck but for all of them I would just pull it

 

so do you know if theres any in the bell housing or just the six?

 

There seems to be just one cap, but its in line with the camshaft so i think it just touches oil? so corrosion wouldnt be a problem if I am correect...

Please correct me if im wrong
THanks again -luke

 

I don't think if there's one in the back on a fe

 

Just be careful and jack up the motor some remove frame mount if needed. I use a socket an a old short extension for a driver. It will mess up the end from hammering on. I only use this extension for driving in freeze plugs for the pass 35 yrs. Their's is 6 freeze the size is 1.3/4" Yeah brass is the only way to go. I use a small wire wheel with a drill to clean the inside walls for a good seal and the plugs go in easier. I put rtv on them when installing them for a better water seal.. Yeah was you get started just keep going until you get them all replaced. No freeze plugs behine the fly wheel...
orich

 

hello, I am attemping to replace my freeze plugs. It appers as if the passager side is the problem. I know I sould replace all but untill the weather is nicer I just need to adress the problem at hand, the leak. Not sure where they are located and if I must pull the engine. I do not have the tools for that. Nor do I have the money to take it to a shop. Diy has always been my motto. Any advice?

Thanks,
Beth

 

There's a few ways too go to fix it the OEM type steel are a little easier then brass.
But, I used the Dorman temp to fix them. I installed 29 yrs ago in my x-in laws 62 Mercury 352 fe and it's still in and not leaked yet. I did use JB weld for a sealer though as this was all at hand at the time. This was the one I used.. DORMAN QUICK SEAL EXPANSION PLUG, COPPER -- 1.63 in. size, 1.78 in. maximum expansion; A high quality, direct fit OE.. Now, I have used the rubber one's yrs ago with good and bad luck. The bad was in a 1967 390 block they have popped out on me two times on the road at high rpm when shifted to 3rd gear going up a steep hill so I'd say don't use the rubber type.. orich

 

this should help with where they are

 

you'll most likely have to remove the motor mounts to get to the two front plugs

 

Lukey, When you have the plug out of the engine take a garden hose and flush out the inside of the block until clear water starts flowing back out. You will not believe the sludge that is inside the block. Just like Orich said use a wire wheel . If you have to use a rubber plug be very sure that the hole is clean and dry ,do not use any sealer. Kenny

 

great advise , alot of time casting slag gets caught between cylinders

 

The freeze plugs are not 1-3/4" they are 1-49/64"
Dorman number 565-037 (brass).
Clean the bore with a little crocus cloth, then a little brake clean and then brush a stripe of Permatex Aviation sealer on the bore mating surface of the freeze plug before installing.

 

Dang all these yrs, I've been sold 1.3/4'' freeze plugs since 1963 for fe blocks. Well never had a problem with steel or brass from leaking. Guess the auto parts store never stocked them so gave me 2nd best..orich

 

Woah! all of a sudden my old, dead thread explodes

Thanks for the advise!

I ended up just putting a rubber plug in like 6 months ago, just to hold fluid in cause i really never use the truck thanks to our amazing gas prices...
It holds just fine, but id feel better replacing them all with brass, since others are probably close...

I'm thinking that I'm gonna sell the truck soon, but id like to get the freeze plugs taken care of first, so that they aren't a problem for someone else down the road.
I don't have a cherry picker, but my uncle has one that I've borrowed, but id rather not take the whole thing out if I don't have to...

Will this give me enough clearance to get at them with the engine still in the bay?

Im off school now till January so maybe if i get bored someday ill try get them done... we will see