My 7 is running better than ever now. I put freeze plugs in the intake coolant passages, new intake gasket, retuned the weber and installed a PCV which it did not have previously. Runs all the way up to 7000 now, idles smoother, starts better. The intake leak is only about 75% better, though. The rearward freeze plug seeps some coolant. I purchased new freeze plugs from Mazdatrix, they just plain look better than the previous ones. I also bought new O rings. I intend to use both the plugs (with sealant) and O rings this time, not just the plugs. The question is, how do I remove the current freeze plugs? Thanks in advance.

 

The "normal" way is to knock them in & retrieve them at disassembly, but that's not recommended on an assembled motor.

That's a really good question, actually; even if you drill them out and use a puller, you have some metal shavings that are going to get in the coolant channels.

I'd also like to know the answer!

 

Here's a guess;

Drive one side of the plug in deeper until the plug is cocked sideways. Then use some vice grips or whatever to pull it out.

I remember when I put mine in, I had to be very careful that it went in straight. So, knocking it a bit sideways shouldn't be too hard.

 

Good ideas. My only idea was to punture it and pull it straight back, but I am worried that would deteriorate the "sealing" surface for the new plug., A sideways push would be less harmful. Myabe we'll get some more ideas.