Tips, Tricks, or Hacks, for Freeze Plug Replacement??

[TLH101]

Seems I have a leaking freeze/core plug om my '63 318 poly. And it's the one behind the left motor mount, and power steering box. Ugg!!
Any tips to make this job easier? Looks like it will be a bear to pound in, even with the mount removed, and engine lifted. It's been 30-40 years since I had replace a freeze plug.
Does it help to put the plug in the freezer, and maybe heat the block around the core hole?

 

[69Bee]

Using a flat tip screwdriver and hammer, push on the outermost portion of the lip, and get it to rotate in the bore. Once the plug is cocked, use a prybar or pliers and pull it out. Do NOT just punch it in the hole as it can affect cooling to some point. If the plug is rotted, it could be a challenge, especially in the car, but that is why I say to hit it on the edge of the lip. This is also the easiest way to get it to rotate in the bore.

 

[493 Mike]

Put a rubber plug in. It will probably out live you.
Mike

 

[Runcharger]

Do whatever you can do to pry it out. Then install a block heater back in, you can usually get a block heater in without pounding it in.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I've installed literally hundreds of freeze plugs... They aren't that hard...
First get the car on a lift, much easier than on jack stands...
Second get a proper tool.... This one works well...

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4603-Fro...ocphy=9032274&hvtargid=pla-515589312394&psc=1

If you must use a expanding plug don't use the rubber ones.. Some folks love them but to many people have had them pop out... Never seen an expanding copper freeze plug pop out, I've seen them weep if you don't use sealer...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...n9l_qSy0xiZZDOhzI6BoCvlUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[493 Mike]

I've installed literally hundreds of freeze plugs... They aren't that hard...
First get the car on a lift, much easier than on jack stands...
Second get a proper tool.... This one works well...

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4603-Fro...ocphy=9032274&hvtargid=pla-515589312394&psc=1

If you must use a expanding plug don't use the rubber ones.. Some folks love them but to many people have had them pop out... Never seen an expanding copper freeze plug pop out, I've seen them weep if you don't use sealer...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...n9l_qSy0xiZZDOhzI6BoCvlUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have never seen a copper expansion plug before-pretty neat! Also never had a rubber plug pop out on my repairs. Got to be clean and dry before insertion.
Mike
Mike

 

[66Satellite47]

Over the years I've used both the copper and the rubber plugs. If things are really tight, you may need to trim the stud on the rubber plug a bit. Both have worked great for me. I also tried some Moroso aluminum plugs with an O ring and small flush hex screw. Eventually the aluminum corroded with contact to the cast iron. But they were very thin for ease of install.

 

[YY1]

"Deep" brass replacements.

Easier to get in, less likely to pop out, less likely to leak.

 

[Longknife]

An interesting story:,,,,, I worked at a Chry- Ply dealership in St Louis from '73 to '79. My first flat rate job. I had a freeze plug job to do and I put the car on the lift and started to drain the coolant. The Journeyman mech. next to me said, Hey this is a FLAT RATE SHOP, Ill show you how to do freeze plugs!, AND make money! He then proceeded to find the right size socket and extension. He coated the new plug with sealant and placed it over the old plug and hammered the plug in, pushing the old plug inside the block! Didn't loose a drop of coolant. He said, no one will ever know!!!! No I don't condone this method and wouldn't do it to any engine, especially mine !!!!!

 

[493 Mike]

An interesting story:,,,,, I worked at a Chry- Ply dealership in St Louis from '73 to '79. My first flat rate job. I had a freeze plug job to do and I put the car on the lift and started to drain the coolant. The Journeyman mech. next to me said, Hey this is a FLAT RATE SHOP, Ill show you how to do freeze plugs!, AND make money! He then proceeded to find the right size socket and extension. He coated the new plug with sealant and placed it over the old plug and hammered the plug in, pushing the old plug inside the block! Didn't loose a drop of coolant. He said, no one will ever know!!!! No I don't condone this method and wouldn't do it to any engine, especially mine !!!!!

I worked flat rate but, I have a conscience. Never made a lot more than rate either.
Mike

 

[dvw]

Removal is easy. Tip it with a screw driver, then grip itwith channel locks. Roll the rounded outer edge of the channel lock against the block while pushing the handles towards the block. Now putting the plug in. If you have a straight shot, easy. But most are not. We used to take and old soft and then air chisel with a long bit catch the hole in the socket and hammer it in. Doug

 

[TLH101]

Got it changed guys. Thanks for all the help and knowlage.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

An interesting story:,,,,, I worked at a Chry- Ply dealership in St Louis from '73 to '79. My first flat rate job. I had a freeze plug job to do and I put the car on the lift and started to drain the coolant. The Journeyman mech. next to me said, Hey this is a FLAT RATE SHOP, Ill show you how to do freeze plugs!, AND make money! He then proceeded to find the right size socket and extension. He coated the new plug with sealant and placed it over the old plug and hammered the plug in, pushing the old plug inside the block! Didn't loose a drop of coolant. He said, no one will ever know!!!! No I don't condone this method and wouldn't do it to any engine, especially mine !!!!!

I've seen people do that.... I too have a conscience.... I'd never do something like that...

 

[RJRENTON]

I've installed literally hundreds of freeze plugs... They aren't that hard...
First get the car on a lift, much easier than on jack stands...
Second get a proper tool.... This one works well...

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4603-Fro...ocphy=9032274&hvtargid=pla-515589312394&psc=1

If you must use a expanding plug don't use the rubber ones.. Some folks love them but to many people have had them pop out... Never seen an expanding copper freeze plug pop out, I've seen them weep if you don't use sealer...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...n9l_qSy0xiZZDOhzI6BoCvlUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

IMO....
The suggested DORMAN expanding plugs are very effective and relatively easy to install, and inexpensive. After removing the old plug, clean the bore hole with fine grade sand paper, an abrasive flap wheel or steel wool. I've used a Permatex sealant (not RTV) product on the OD of the Dorman plug and follow the directions....but be careful NOT to overtighten the acorn nut. Just my opinion of course.
BOB RENTON