360 Freeze plug
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New User
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Arvada Colorado
360 Freeze plug
So While flushing the coolant system in Ole Gael I found that a freeze plug was leaking. A little further investigation is that it has a hole in from rusting through. I have been trying to figure out how to replace it without removing the motor so I supported the engine and removed the motor mount that is in the way and was thinking that I could knock out the old one. But that seems to much more difficult than I anticipated.
Anyone know any tricks?
Anyone know any tricks?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 306
From: Kenner,La.
Freeze/core plug
The correct size of the plug is 2 & 49/64”. They can be really hard to install. I must say that particular job was the one I hated the most working at my Dad’s shop. There is a rubber expander plug which may get you running again. Just be sure that the hole is clean and dry and do not use any sealant otherwise the plug will not stay in. When you knock out the old plug get ready to get pelted with the casting mud that is in the cooling jacket. Try to hose out as much as possible. Good luck
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New User
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From: Arvada Colorado
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 306
From: Kenner,La.
Freeze/core plugs
I have used 2 3/4” core plugs many times and just last night at our Ford club’s party, one of our members is a engine rebuilder. He also uses the 2 3/4” plugs.
There is a new publication # sa352 Workbech How-to by Barry Rabotnick on the FE and how to rebuild them. He claims that the 2 49/64” is the correct size. I realize that this is “splitting hairs” but it would be interesting to know which is the correct plug.
I am sure that pounding in the larger plug while the engine is on a stand is not too hard. So the smaller is easier to install from underneath with a drop light burning your arm and water dripping in your face while the creeper is moving too much or stuck against the jack stand and at the same time making comments about the parentage of the vehicle you are under adds to the fun because you just hit your hand with the hammer.
There is a new publication # sa352 Workbech How-to by Barry Rabotnick on the FE and how to rebuild them. He claims that the 2 49/64” is the correct size. I realize that this is “splitting hairs” but it would be interesting to know which is the correct plug.
I am sure that pounding in the larger plug while the engine is on a stand is not too hard. So the smaller is easier to install from underneath with a drop light burning your arm and water dripping in your face while the creeper is moving too much or stuck against the jack stand and at the same time making comments about the parentage of the vehicle you are under adds to the fun because you just hit your hand with the hammer.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Arvada Colorado
I have used 2 3/4” core plugs many times and just last night at our Ford club’s party, one of our members is a engine rebuilder. He also uses the 2 3/4” plugs.
There is a new publication # sa352 Workbech How-to by Barry Rabotnick on the FE and how to rebuild them. He claims that the 2 49/64” is the correct size. I realize that this is “splitting hairs” but it would be interesting to know which is the correct plug.
I am sure that pounding in the larger plug while the engine is on a stand is not too hard. So the smaller is easier to install from underneath with a drop light burning your arm and water dripping in your face while the creeper is moving too much or stuck against the jack stand and at the same time making comments about the parentage of the vehicle you are under adds to the fun because you just hit your hand with the hammer.
There is a new publication # sa352 Workbech How-to by Barry Rabotnick on the FE and how to rebuild them. He claims that the 2 49/64” is the correct size. I realize that this is “splitting hairs” but it would be interesting to know which is the correct plug.
I am sure that pounding in the larger plug while the engine is on a stand is not too hard. So the smaller is easier to install from underneath with a drop light burning your arm and water dripping in your face while the creeper is moving too much or stuck against the jack stand and at the same time making comments about the parentage of the vehicle you are under adds to the fun because you just hit your hand with the hammer.
I'm not real sure which is official but I do know that Napa gives you a 2-3/4 in a freeze plug kit for a 72 Ford 360 and it went in without leaking.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
How can a 2 3/4" core plug replace a 1 3/4" (1.75") core plug?
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
...easier to install from underneath with a drop light burning your arm and water dripping in your face while the creeper is moving too much or stuck against the jack stand and at the same time making comments about the parentage of the vehicle you are under adds to the fun because you just hit your hand with the hammer.
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