freeze plugs??
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: salt lake
there on the lower side of the motor. not that hard to change just time consuming if the motor is still installed. just dont be scared when you pull that plug and there is junk in there. just clean it out the best you can and press the new on in.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,932
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The local parts store will try to sell you 1-3/4" plugs but they are really 1-49/64" Get brass, not steel. Clean the sealing surface of the block with scotch brite or crocus cloth and put a lap of Aviation Permatex on the sealing surface of the freeze plug to aid in installation and sealing.
Dorman brass freeze plug # 565-036
Dorman brass freeze plug # 565-036
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 276
There are no expansion plugs on the rear of the block on a 360.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 409
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From: Visalia,CA
well im not even 100% that its that. this morning i had coolant all over the drive way, and when i went to refill it, it just kept coming out where it kinda looked like where the tranny meets the motor, the other thing they said it could be a cracked block, witch i hope that isnt it.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,932
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Who's "they"? Likely not a cracked block. Have someone dump water in it while you lie underneath it. Could be a heater hose, intake gasket, freeze plug, etc.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 5
Had a freeze plug leaking on my '72 390. Bit the bullet, pulled the engine. Found a cracked flywheel so while I was changing ALL the freeze plugs, I changed the flywheel and the oil pump, water pump, oil pan gasket, fuel pump, and front trans seal. AND then found a cracked exhaust manifold so changed BOTH of them.
It's amazing how one little job turns into one not-so-little job.
It's amazing how one little job turns into one not-so-little job.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Visalia,CA
well i was able to get a floor jack to lift it a bit, and found out that its the freeze plug right by the starter, so i was kinda happy about that. night be a little cheaper to replace now.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 3
From: Burbank, CA
One thing to remember about leaking freeze plugs: Usually, the reason one leaks is because it's a steel plug and it has rusted out from the inside. That's usually caused by previous owners filling it with straight water or not enough anti-freeze. Aside from rust, freeze plugs are usually trouble free for the working life of the engine. Sometimes one will come loose or pop out for no apparent reason, but that's rare.
What this means is that if one plug is leaking from a pinhole from rusting through, then the other plugs are probably rusted too. That one just went through first. When you pull out the leaking one, if it's obvious that it has rusted through, then you might as well replace all the others at the same time. Or you'll be looking at water puddles again soon. Like Bobby said, if you're going to do the job, get brass plugs of the correct size.
What this means is that if one plug is leaking from a pinhole from rusting through, then the other plugs are probably rusted too. That one just went through first. When you pull out the leaking one, if it's obvious that it has rusted through, then you might as well replace all the others at the same time. Or you'll be looking at water puddles again soon. Like Bobby said, if you're going to do the job, get brass plugs of the correct size.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Visalia,CA
the ones that are in there i think they are brass, and seem in pretty good shape, besides the one that poped out. the place is charging me 45 per plug plus labor, might just get all the sides one done.
