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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Deep for shallow core (frost) plug

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Old Sep 11, 2020 | 04:52 PM
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Deep for shallow core (frost) plug

My engine, 5.0l, sprung a leak at the rear most core plug (frost plug) on the right side, right above the starter. The only 1 1/2" core plug I could find in town is a deep one and I believe what is typically installed in this location is a shallow plug. Can I use a deep plug in place of a shallow plug? I would expect to leave the excess depth outside the block, not set it flush like you normally would. OK, or big problem?
 
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Old Sep 11, 2020 | 05:36 PM
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The deep core plugs are MUCH easier to install, just don't need to install them at full depth. Place red lock-tite on O.D. on core plug prior to installation, I drive them in so they are flush with block not flush with recess in block(this keeps them square and not fully driven in). Try to get brass ones if possible, while starter is out, you may want to look at replacing the next one forward as well, may save some "down the road" aggravation. Hope this helps.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2020 | 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by aquartlow
The deep core plugs are MUCH easier to install, just don't need to install them at full depth. Place red lock-tite on O.D. on core plug prior to installation, I drive them in so they are flush with block not flush with recess in block(this keeps them square and not fully driven in). Try to get brass ones if possible, while starter is out, you may want to look at replacing the next one forward as well, may save some "down the road" aggravation. Hope this helps.
Great help, Thanks! I hope to get into it this weekend.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2020 | 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by 94ZR580
My engine, 5.0l, sprung a leak at the rear most core plug (frost plug) on the right side, right above the starter. The only 1 1/2" core plug I could find in town is a deep one and I believe what is typically installed in this location is a shallow plug. Can I use a deep plug in place of a shallow plug? I would expect to leave the excess depth outside the block, not set it flush like you normally would. OK, or big problem?
My previous 5.0 used 1" plugs. Are you sure yours are 1 1/2"?
 
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Old Sep 13, 2020 | 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by kevinv10
My previous 5.0 used 1" plugs. Are you sure yours are 1 1/2"?
Yes, I'm sure. All small blocks used the 1 1/2" core plugs on the side of the block from the 289 on up. There are some smaller gallery plugs, but I think they are smaller than 1".
 
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Old Sep 13, 2020 | 12:19 AM
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I had some good news when I got under the truck and got the starter out of the way. The problem was with the block heater that was installed in the rear core plug hole. A new block heater is easier to install in this case, than driving in a new core plug. The clamp wings had broken and the o-ring was trashed. I don't know how it got like that, but better now than at 40 below when I need the heater.


Old block heater

New heater installed
 
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