I have a 1964 F100 with the 292 V8 that has set for about 10 to 12 years. I got the engine to run with gas down the intake but the radiator had a leak. After fixing the hole in the radiator tank I found that the freeze plug over the starter had rusted out. I was thinking about removing the front fenders to properly treat the rust and remove a couple of dents would it be easier to replace the freeze plugs after removing the fenders or is there a easier method of replacing the freeze plugs? I was also thinking I should replace all the freeze plugs at this time since one of them rusted through. I have never removed a front fender before and was wondering if there are any areas that should be avoided to prevent making it harder to reassemble the front end? Thanks for all the help this forum has been in my learning curve in this hobby.

 

I would think it would be easier to get to the plugs with out leaning over the fenders (both).
With the plugs out flush out the block. Even take a coat hanger and dig on the bottom of the cooling chambers to break up any mud that may be sitting in the bottom as it will be packed in there and the flushing will not break it up.

Yes replace all plugs as the others will not be far behind it.
I had a motor that is so bad I had a plug in the head rust out!

To pull them out hit 1 side so it turns in the hole and grab it with vice grips and pull it out.
Try not to push them in as you most likely will not be able to get it out at that point and it can block water flow and get a hot spot.

When you go to install them make sure the block is smooth & clean / dry.
I put a coat of sealer, Permatex brush on, to the block & plug and drove it in flush maybe a little more.
I used steel plugs, other like to use brass. I figured steel lasted this long with no flushing from PO's, steel would last longer with me keeping on top of it.
I also feel brass is softer and may de-forum when driving them in and why I did steel

On my 81 with a 300 six had one leak after I got it running.
When I got looking I found a PO had used 1 of them rubber screw in plugs beside the one that was leaking.
On the 300 all plug are behind the intake / exh manifolds so they had to come off.
Good thing I replace them all as the others were paper thin and would have leaked in no time.

Good luck
Dave ----

 

Thanks for the reply, I will try to reach the plugs to remove them. Les

 

I have always done freeze plugs from the bottom but can see how having the fenders off might afford a better angle on a couple of them. I prefer brass because it's soft and if you have any irregularities in the hole, like from a PO gouging it trying to get a plug out, you can tap on the brass plug and make it confirm and seal. Plus they don't rust. And yeah, do them all.

 

They all could be shot probably from some chemical used to flush the radiator back in the day. There is also a rubber plug with a bolt to tighten that expands in the hole if you are looking for a quick fix.

 

I will try to do all of them because of the time out of service and the age but life and work has interfered with my time to work on my hobbies. I hope to get back on it in a week or two. Thanks for all the help and advice.