freeze plug
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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freeze plug
somehow one of my freeze plugs got punctured. It's the one on the passenger side by the motor mount. Do you have any tips for getting it out. I am not a skilled welder so I can't weld it. Is there anything that can be used to just fill the hole? It's not that big.
thanks for any help
brad
thanks for any help
brad
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Brad: That hole is non-repairable. It means the wash plug has rusted through.
Your best bet is to get a rubber plug. They are available at most parts stores in standard sizes. Otherwise, you will probably need to pull the engine to get enough room to replace it.
Remove the old plug with a screwdriver, and pry it out. BE careful if you use a hammer to force the screwdriver in, you can go too far and hurt the cylinder wall.
While you are in there, use your fingers and pull any crud out at the bottom of of the water jacket that you can reach. Don't work too hard on this, it isn't really necessary.
Slip the rubber plug in place, and tighten the nut. The nut compresses the rubber plug, which expands, and therefore seals the wash plug hole.
I've had a rubber plug in my 352 for 20 years now. No leaks, works fine.
Your best bet is to get a rubber plug. They are available at most parts stores in standard sizes. Otherwise, you will probably need to pull the engine to get enough room to replace it.
Remove the old plug with a screwdriver, and pry it out. BE careful if you use a hammer to force the screwdriver in, you can go too far and hurt the cylinder wall.
While you are in there, use your fingers and pull any crud out at the bottom of of the water jacket that you can reach. Don't work too hard on this, it isn't really necessary.
Slip the rubber plug in place, and tighten the nut. The nut compresses the rubber plug, which expands, and therefore seals the wash plug hole.
I've had a rubber plug in my 352 for 20 years now. No leaks, works fine.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Honestly, I think I can get it out with it still in the truck (Oh jeez, I hope so cause I just had the engine out two days ago). I can get a screwdriver up in there along with enough room to hit it with a hammer, I am just afraid of shoving it into the water jacket.
Thanks alot for the tips, I will go look for a rubber plug. Even though a nice parts guy at napa gave me a free metal plug, I think the rubber one sounds easier to install.
If anyone has any more tips, post them please.
thanks
brad
Thanks alot for the tips, I will go look for a rubber plug. Even though a nice parts guy at napa gave me a free metal plug, I think the rubber one sounds easier to install.
If anyone has any more tips, post them please.
thanks
brad
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
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From: nevada
You had the motor out and didnt' replace the freeze plugs? $12 for steel, and $20 for brass when I did mine. I also installed a brass drain plug with a 90 degree coupler on side of motor for future drain downs. (Replacing stock drain plug)
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
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From: california
My machinist told me that it's common for the freeze plug near the motor mount to rot out. When I had to replace mine, I recall removing the motor mount and supporting the engine. I was able to get a brass plug in there with a socket, universal joint and extension and hit the end of the extension with a brass hammer. May be abusing tools, but it worked and Craftsman tools have a no questions asked lifetime guarantee. Be sure to clean the edges of the hole with some sand paper. I use gorilla snot around the edge of plugs before I install them to ensure a tight seal.
