My '83 gsl leaks onto the top passenger side of the engine. I have seen many helpful threads about replacing the O rongs after intake manifold removal. My quesion is, Do I follow the same procedure, with the same O rings? I am using a sidedraft carb, and I don't think any coolant is directed thru my intake manifold or carb at this point. I assume that the intake manifold is after market, to accomnocdate the Carb which is a Weber 45 knock off.

 

your coolant leak does sound like an o-ring coolant problem..your procedure would be to drain your radiator....then take the manifold off...then either replace the o-rings with new ones..or get some freeze plugs for the manifold from pineapple racing...since you have a sidedraft carb..the coolant holes are sealed in the manifold and since the coolant has no where to go..when the o-rings fail..it just leaks all over...

i have pix here in my thread about the freeze plugs..

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/dellorto-48-dhla-swap-13b-12a-not-56k-friendly-773154/

they are good if you plan on taking your manifold off at all..and not wanting to have to drain the coolant each time...

 

Great response, I like your write up too. I've done a lot of work on vehicles, but never messed with freeze plugs. How to you install them? Thanks. Dave

 

ok..so the way we installed them..was we took a socket a bit bigger than the freeze plug and slowly tapped it in the hole..slightly bigger that way it has no way of not going in correct or jumping...

 

Sounds easy enough. I guess the socket being bigger than the freeze plug inserts the "rim" of the plug flush with the engine housing, and not deeper.

 

Didn't read his thread, but its a good idea to put a little sealant on the freeze plugs before you install them as well. I usually use some RTV or Hylomar. Just a little added insurance.

~T.J.

 

That sounds like a good idea.

I read your stolen rx 7 thread and thoroughly enjoyed and empathized with it. When I have more time I will share two stories, one, some 15 years ago, my cherry gsl-se getting stolen, and the current unfolding situation of my '83 gsl from an unscrupulous ebay seller......more to come. Dave

 

oh..well..we didnt use extra sealer...it fits snug enough...with the way that the aftermarket intakes are built...with just the coolant holes plugged..i dont see any way they would come out..

 

Its not about coming out, its about the minor amounts that could possibly seep past the plugs if they dont make a perfect seal and either cause a leak, or possibly work into the intake manifold.

Ive just always put some sealant on freeze plugs. I was taught that way a long time ago, and most of the mechanics Ive worked with at various shops do it to - though there ARE some who dont. I use either RTV in a light coat, or sometimes just spray them with Permatex Hi-Tack gasket sealer. I also clean the hole with brake clean, and make sure there are no burrs on either the plug or the hole.

~T.J.

 

good advice...for those who havent done it yet...for me its a little late..lol..

 

I guess I will also add that you dont have to buy the freeze plugs from Pineapple. Theyre just standard 20mm plugs. My local Napa has them, so do most engine machine shops. The last pair I bought from Napa down the street cost me $0.15.

~T.J.

 

You just saved me some dollars. At Pineapple they are $6 each, plus handling. Thanks

 

the ones i ordered...were a bit cheaper..they are the freeze plug kit for the intake..they come in a pair..

 

i'm thinking of using the freeze plugs, i installed an intake gasket a couple of months back and i know i had a screwed up o-ring that will still hold up for a bit longer so i put everything back together and meant to take care of it soon (daily driver) but then i forgot and what not, today i started my car and noticed some liquid coming out the exhaust, sure enough, coolant, so i need to either replace the o-rings or do the freeze plugs.

now my question is, what would be better? my intake is still stock (stripped nikki, mech secondaries thats it, no rats nest) i know if i use the freeze plugs it'll make my car colder nature, i think i can work around that, but is that the only side effect? or does the stock manifold need coolant? ..what do you guys recommend for my situation?

Edit: i am searching about it, but i'm looking for pros and cons rather.....oh and i can still reuse my gasket right? its only been 2 months tops since i installed it lol.

 

its really up to you...if you install freeze plugs..if you upgrade you just wont have to drain your coolant...it will only take a little bit longer to warm up your carb..not really long..and its the same in the winter..only a bit longer..you need a new gasket though..especially since yours has experienced some coolant..only like $10

 

You can reuse your gasket if it is not deformed from the coolant, and only reuse it when it has dried out and has no tears in it.

Looking back, I wish I used freeze plugs. Side draft wrap around, Lake city, Holley, and multiple Nikki manifold swaps... If I had the freeze plugs in it would have saved me a lot of time and coolant.

Oh, and you do not have to drain the radiator to do this, just remove the manifold and let the coolant dribble out, install the new manifold and top off the radiator.

 

thanks guys, i don't think the gasket has had much of a beating with the coolant, i'll check and see today, i've only just now started noticing the coolant and i've been checking constantly lately. but thanks i'll keep it in mind i'll check and see how its doing lol.

 

oh man, another question, i was reading yesterday while i was searching for the size of the freeze plugs and all that good stuff, anyways i'm lazy so i don't wanna have to drain the whole radiator, so if i take off the two drain bolts on the intake manifold, will it still be necessary to use very good threadlock so that it doesn't leak? i figured since no coolant is gonna be going to the manifold i don't see why i should worry too much about those, but let me know thanks.

 

man, them little things are hard to find in this redneck mustang/camaro/v8 town lol, but thank god that old man from o'reilley's is good friends with my dad he got them special ordered for me so they should be here in about 1 hr