Freeze plug fell out
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40703
Printed Date: April-27-2024 at 4:05pm
Topic: Freeze plug fell out
Posted By: psherwin
Subject: Freeze plug fell out
Date Posted: March-18-2017 at 1:10pm
Started engine yesterday and saw water pouring out hole in block where starboard rear freeze plug was. Apparently was leaking and rust caused plug to dislodge. Engine ran at warm up rpm for just about 6 or 8 minutes before I noticed steam and/or smoke coming from exhaust; I immediately shut it off. Possible damage done? How big a deal is replacing freeze plug considering rust around opening? Engine was drained for the cold month, so I doubt that the plug "popped" out due to freezing. Rest of plugs look like factory installed, but this one always had a little rust around it, like it had been replaced in a pervious ownership period.
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'86 Martinique,351 PCM
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Replies:
Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: March-18-2017 at 2:11pm
Without seeing it or knowing how accessible it is it would hard to say whether you could install a stock type or not. Clean up the hole and surrounding area best you can. If not easily accessible then you may have to use the rubber expansion type. Hard to say if any damage was done. You have to replace plug anyway. Put it in and then fire it up and see. Good luck. Duane
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Keep it as original as YOU want it
1978 Mustang (modified)
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Posted By: Nautiquehunter
Date Posted: March-19-2017 at 3:03pm
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If the plug came out its likely that water in the block froze and forced the plug out . If there is no damage to the engine go and buy a lottery ticket this is your lucky day.
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Posted By: malibud
Date Posted: March-24-2017 at 10:10am
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I had one pop out like that tapped in a with the hammer handle. It was suppose to be a temporary fix but that was 3 years ago works fine today
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Posted By: samudj01
Date Posted: March-24-2017 at 11:30pm
We just replaced 5 plugs. The main suggestions:
-get a new brass plug in case your old one is deformed
-clean up the hole with emory cloth and or sand paper to clean off the rust
-use some sealant on the plug to get a tight seal in case it doesn't seat perfect
-be gentle on tapping it in. most of ours were tough to get to. Took different tools to tap the plugs.
-tap the outside of the plug if possible as this causes less deformation. If not possible, get the largest socket that will fit in the plug and use that to tap. We found a socket with an extension was great to tap on with a hammer.
Good luck!
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78 Ski Tique, 72 Skier w/302's, 93 SN w/351 & 17 GS22 w/zr409
Previous - 99 Sport Nautique w/GT40 and 87 Martinique w/351
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Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: March-25-2017 at 11:28am
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We had the same thing happen on a PCM 240 hp about 20 years ago. The starboard side near the starter. We were able to tap a new brass one in with a socket and extension. No damage and never did find out the cause, but I now pour a 1/2 gallon of anti freeze in the engine with the plugs in after draining the water out, and then remove them to purge any water that might be remaining, before I pickle it.
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Posted By: psherwin
Date Posted: March-26-2017 at 7:24pm
We used a rubber ringed plug with an adjustment nut that that tightens it to the opening rim. Thought this was a good remedy as the edges of the hole are rough due to corrosion, plus we didn't have to remove the starter. We'll see how it does. I plan to keep a sharp eye on it for the next couple of hours. Anyone else have experience with the type we replaced with?
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'86 Martinique,351 PCM
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-26-2017 at 7:51pm
Philip,
Do keep an eye on that expansion plug. Some have had good luck with them lasting and others haven't. I suggest if you ever get some time to pull the starter and get a brass plug in there.
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54 Atom
/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique
64 X55 Dunphy
Keep it original, Pete
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