One of the freeze plugs on my 352 has developed a very slow leak. I've been reading about removal/installation. Seems the 3 popular ways of removal are
1) knocking it sideways and pulling it out
2) drilling a hole into the plug and tapping it with a screw. Then using the screw to pull it out.
3) using the appropriate removal/installation tool
Right now I'm leaning towards the knocking the plug sideways and prying it out method. Anyway got any advice on removal/installation? Do's and donts?
I changed mine out just using a big flat blade screwdriver and a hammer. Knock it on one side and pull out with pliers. Very easy to do with engine out of the vehicle. May be a bit more challenging in the truck depending on which one it is. There is one close to the motor mounts. Hopefully, that's not the one you need to remove. I used some shellac on the plug when reinstalling but have also heard of people using rtv or nothing at all.
I had to pull one on the killer 2.3L in my '83 Ranger back in about '84 (to put in a block heater), being an autobody guy, you use what you have on hand, which for me was a slidehammer:) I drilled a hole in the freezeplug, close to the edge (the theory behind that is, it should pivot), and with a few whacks, out it came!!
In my case, I had a straight shot at it, so this may or may not work for you?
I've always used the big screwdriver and hammer method. Clean the hole really good, then clean it again. I use Hi Tack on the plugs edge and drive them in with a big socket on an extension.
SPark
1932 Ford 5 window coupe. 302/C4 1962 8V-390/C6 Unibody Short Bed Soon to be Big Window - The Lincoln that never was 2013 F150 Super Crew Eco Boost 4x4 2015 Ford Edge for the little lady, because she said so! 2007 Mustang GT, 4.6-3V/5 Speed. Only 8680 miles on the clock.
ThinLizzy13 wrote:I got lucky. My plug is between the starter and motor mount. I've got a pretty clear shot at it. Should I go with another steel plug or use brass?
I used brass. Got a whole set from rockauto.com for very reasonable price.
If you have one bad one, the rest probably aren't far behind. I would do everything you can do while you are at it.
Spark
1932 Ford 5 window coupe. 302/C4 1962 8V-390/C6 Unibody Short Bed Soon to be Big Window - The Lincoln that never was 2013 F150 Super Crew Eco Boost 4x4 2015 Ford Edge for the little lady, because she said so! 2007 Mustang GT, 4.6-3V/5 Speed. Only 8680 miles on the clock.
Changed the plug out. For once a project went smoother than expected, no hiccups! Although I couldn't believe all the crud that was hiding behind the plug!
ThinLizzy13 wrote:Changed the plug out. For once a project went smoother than expected, no hiccups! Although I couldn't believe all the crud that was hiding behind the plug!
When I changed mine I had the short block on an engine stand. I had to take a long screwdriver to clean out the junk in the water passages. I pulled all the freeze plugs and used a high pressure water hose to blast a lot of crud out of there.
