why!!!

[chevy wrangler]

well i just installed a temp guage in my truck and took it for a spin around the block a couple of times well when i parked i saw some drips, the freeze plug gave out!! its the one near the oil filter. so that brings me to my question:

whats the best way to take a freeze plug out??
my auto tech teacher told me to put silocone on the back side of the new one to minimize rust, is this true??

and whats the best way to put the new one in??

any help is greatly appreciated

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Take a punch and hammer and hit one edge of the freeze plug until it starts to spin in the bore. Then grab the side that is sticking out with pliers and yank it out.

With the new one, put some sealant on it and just tap it in.

 

[big dan]

I have a question that I feel kinda dumb for asking but I never really understood the point of freeze plugs. I know they are there for a reason but what is it?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I have a question that I feel kinda dumb for asking but I never really understood the point of freeze plugs. I know they are there for a reason but what is it?

If your antifreeze mixture's freezing point isn't low enough and its really cold outside, the coolant will freeze. Water expands when it freezes which would crack the block. Freeze plugs are there to pop out and let the ice expand and maybe save your ass

 

[Txchevy18]

When you replace the plugs. Use a brass set it will save you alot of headaches in teh futurees. Also on the install i always use 3m weather strip adhesive(aka gorrila snot) on the outer edge of the plug contacting the block.. Ive gone through 4 or 5 engines and have yet to have a freeze plug problem.

Hope this helps
Cory

 

[big dan]

I knew the block would crack if the water froze but Ive never heard of the freeze plugs actually working. everyone I know that has had the water freeze has had the block crack, thats why I was curious about them. thanks for the explanation.

 

[lectric80]

I knew the block would crack if the water froze but Ive never heard of the freeze plugs actually working. everyone I know that has had the water freeze has had the block crack, thats why I was curious about them. thanks for the explanation.

I have actually seen them save a block, but I have also seen cracked blocks, so they don't always work.

 

[chevy wrangler]

well i dont think my engine block would freeze any time soon. so i should use brass plugs and coat them with 3m weather strip adhesive? is that stuff heat proof??
does antifreeze help stop corrosion and keep temp down??

well because i dont feel like dishin $10 for a gallon of that stuff right now
would water screw stuff up??

 

[lectric80]

This time of year it shouldn't hurt, but I wouldn't run it for too long. Antifreeze does have anti-corrosion compounds in it. The 3m stuff I have never tried.

 

[sled_dog]

If your antifreeze mixture's freezing point isn't low enough and its really cold outside, the coolant will freeze. Water expands when it freezes which would crack the block. Freeze plugs are there to pop out and let the ice expand and maybe save your ass

Sorry to say that isn't correct.

Freeze plugs are NOT freeze plugs. Its just a misnaming that we all use. Freeze plugs are in fact "Core Plugs" or "Casting Plugs". They are there so in the casting process the sand that was in the waterjackets can be removed from the block. Think about it, how else would they get that crap out of there? It has to be there. Freeze plugs are not intended as expansion points. They may well do that from time to time(crap shoot in reality), but thats not the reason they exist.

Anti-freeze really helps with anti-corrossion... IF it is new. Old anti-freeze can become acidic and corrossive. Thus why I recommend ANY antifreeze be flushed and replaced every 30k miles. Even the Ford Gold fluid, which is a high mileage anti-freeze. Its probably the best stuff I have come across as high mileage anti-freezes go but I still flush it at 30k. You can usually buy some off brand green concentrate for $5. Its Dex-Cool and the other specialty ones that get expensive. Even 1 gallon of anti-freeze is going to help.

Also if you choose not to use Anti-Freeze, put a few tablespoons of dawn dish soap in the water. Anti-Freeze also helps to lubricate the waterpump. Straight water doesn't have this property, a little dish soap will help lube it.