FE freeze plug diameter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Pittsburgh
FE freeze plug diameter
Allright, i was wondering if all 6 block plugs on a '64 390 are the same size or not.
I had one blow out on me so I put one of those rubber expanding ones in there to get myself home, but i started thinking that if I'm going to have to put a plug up in there anyway i might as well put an engine block heater in while I'm at it.
Deal is, all the ones I can find say they should be installed in the right center plug. Issue here is 1) it's not the one that came out and 2) there is no way a block heater could go in there due to the motor mount.
Do they just recommend to put it there for efficiency's sake, or is the center plug a different size from the others?
The one that came out is the right front on and i know for a fact it's a tad over 1 3/4" (1 49/64").
Justin
I had one blow out on me so I put one of those rubber expanding ones in there to get myself home, but i started thinking that if I'm going to have to put a plug up in there anyway i might as well put an engine block heater in while I'm at it.
Deal is, all the ones I can find say they should be installed in the right center plug. Issue here is 1) it's not the one that came out and 2) there is no way a block heater could go in there due to the motor mount.
Do they just recommend to put it there for efficiency's sake, or is the center plug a different size from the others?
The one that came out is the right front on and i know for a fact it's a tad over 1 3/4" (1 49/64").
Justin
Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: CT
All 6 plugs should be the same size. And yes 1 49/64" is the correct size. I think the new Dorman brand plugs they sell for the FE are 1/3/4" a hair smaller and really not the right size. I have an used set of newer Dorman plugs out in the tent I'll dig them out an measure them if you like. Or someone might confirm the size that has one on hand.
G.
G.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Pittsburgh
Yeah, the plug that shot out was a Dorman 1 3/4" replacement. I replaced them all prior to putting the motor in and hadn't noticed this plug said clearly "1 3/4" on it. The other 5 are actually the 1 49/64 plugs. I already broke the bank and bought the proper plug for all of $0.59 
But again, a block heater would be a handy thing to have.
So if all 6 are the same size then the block heater directions were probably just for efficiency's sake like i was thinking.
Thanks!
Justin
But again, a block heater would be a handy thing to have.So if all 6 are the same size then the block heater directions were probably just for efficiency's sake like i was thinking.
Thanks!
Justin
Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: CT
Justin did you find a 1 49/64" replacement? If so can you tell me where and what number? My Dorman catlog is REALLY old and if they now sell the right size plug again i'd like to make a note of it...
Thanks,
G.
Thanks,
G.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Newbury Park Ca.
STEEL, oh no......
Originally Posted by hoxiii
dorman 555-036, has 1 49/64 stamped right on it.
Justin
Justin
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1965/76 FE's
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Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: CT
Originally Posted by Beemer Nut
I must add more fear here, at my local parts store that handle Dorman stock
many items have "CHINA" stamped on them.
Feel lucky?
many items have "CHINA" stamped on them.
Feel lucky?
Maybe they will be metric then? 
G.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 162
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From: Newbury Park Ca.
No RUBBER, or STEEL, USE BRASS......And install the right size DRY. Use a tool that drives on the outside lip, not the bottom of the "cup". (I use a bearing and seal driver set, or turn a custom tool on the lathe).............Get 'em straight and they almost fall in. BTW, if one rusted out the rest aren't far behind. ..........aMP
Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: CT
I just use a big socket on em. I now use brass only also. On steel plugs I used to smear a thin coat of black RTV on the back and lip. This helped stop corrosion quite a bit. On my new block it has steel screw in plugs and I see they use sealer on the outside edge of those also.
G.
G.