460 Freeze Plug
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Joined: Nov 2000
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460 Freeze Plug
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 06-Nov-00 AT 10:00 PM (EST)[/font][p]A freeze plug on my 1970 460 has a slow leak. It is the plug that is next to the starter. What is the best way to pull it out? Do I tap in a new one to just the same depth using a socket as the installation tool?
Also, I checked a couple of parts web sites, and they had RUBBER freeze plugs! Why? Wouldn't I want another metal one?
I thought about this a bit more, would brass plugs be the best? If one is leaking, should I really replace all the others on a 30 year old engine with 75k miles, or leave well enough alone if the others are OK?
Thanks, Pete L
Also, I checked a couple of parts web sites, and they had RUBBER freeze plugs! Why? Wouldn't I want another metal one?
I thought about this a bit more, would brass plugs be the best? If one is leaking, should I really replace all the others on a 30 year old engine with 75k miles, or leave well enough alone if the others are OK?
Thanks, Pete L
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: DOG BOX
460 Freeze Plug
If it were me I would not use the rubber expanding plugs, because they have a tendancy to pop out. You may have to drop the starter, knock a hole or two in it with a screw-driver and a hammer then stick a pair of channel-locks trough the hole and grab it and yank it out. I'm not sure if they make brass plugs or not. you can use a 1/2" drive extension and/or a socke to install the new one. As for rest of them, I would'nt worry about 'em til they create a problem.
Hope this helps.....john
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 309
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From: michigan
460 Freeze Plug
hey Pete, i totally agree with John!! just use a regular steel freeze plug, it will last you another 75,000 miles or longer. only use them rubber ones only if it's an emergency or for a temp. fix there pretty bad. take it easy. Ray.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Crooked River Ranch, OR
460 Freeze Plug
Metal freeze plugs are always the best way to go, but if your trying to make an "in the truck repair" sometimes a rubber plug is the way to go if you don't have room to hammer in a metal one. I've had two different engines that I've installed rubber plugs and never had one blow out. Just make sure you install them dry...and when you finally pull the engine for a rebuild replace the rubber with metal. Deen
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Joined: Nov 2000
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460 Freeze Plug
When you install the new freeze plug it is a good idea to put a little No#1 Permatex around the edge of it. It helps to seal it from leaking and does not affect it's ability to pop out in the event of freezing.
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Metal freeze plugs are always the best way to go, but if your trying to make an "in the truck repair" sometimes a rubber plug is the way to go if you don't have room to hammer in a metal one. I've had two different engines that I've installed rubber plugs and never had one blow out. Just make sure you install them dry...and when you finally pull the engine for a rebuild replace the rubber with metal. Deen
I have a quick question i have replaced all my freeze plugs on my 78 ranger with the 302...and thoose were visible ...now i have an 89 f250 with the 7.5 460 i bielive i have a freeze plug leaking.. i cant see for sure if it is one but are there plugs behind the motor mount??? ..o yeah how many dose this block have i have been told it will vary sometimes????
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From: BC Cana'duh
First of all this thread is 12 years old.If you have a question just start a new thread.By the way,welcome.To answer your question:There are three frost or soft plugs on the side of the 460 block.
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