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?
Thanks
Freeze plug changing advice
- ThinLizzy13
- Posts: 763
- Joined: October 5, 2012, 5:29 am
- Location: Catskills NY
Freeze plug changing advice
'63 F100 223 3OT
‘20 F150 XL
‘20 F150 XL
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- Posts: 838
- Joined: August 2, 2014, 10:38 pm
- Location: Mustang, OK
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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.
- ThinLizzy13
- Posts: 763
- Joined: October 5, 2012, 5:29 am
- Location: Catskills NY
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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?
'63 F100 223 3OT
‘20 F150 XL
‘20 F150 XL
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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?
James
In my case, I had a straight shot at it, so this may or may not work for you?
James
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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
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.
More toys, I need more toys!!!
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.
More toys, I need more toys!!!
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- Posts: 838
- Joined: August 2, 2014, 10:38 pm
- Location: Mustang, OK
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
I used brass. Got a whole set from rockauto.com for very reasonable price.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?
- ThinLizzy13
- Posts: 763
- Joined: October 5, 2012, 5:29 am
- Location: Catskills NY
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
Thanks everyone! I'm going to order a brass plug and get to work
'63 F100 223 3OT
‘20 F150 XL
‘20 F150 XL
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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
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.
More toys, I need more toys!!!
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.
More toys, I need more toys!!!
- ThinLizzy13
- Posts: 763
- Joined: October 5, 2012, 5:29 am
- Location: Catskills NY
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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!
'63 F100 223 3OT
‘20 F150 XL
‘20 F150 XL
-
- Posts: 838
- Joined: August 2, 2014, 10:38 pm
- Location: Mustang, OK
Re: Freeze plug changing advice
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.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!