Installing freeze/expansion plugs in the coolant ports to the intake.
03-10-12, 02:31 PM
#1
its supposed to do that
Thread Starter
Installing freeze/expansion plugs in the coolant ports to the intake.
Since this seems to be coming up a lot lately I took some pictures of how I do it. Out of 10+ motors I have only had one leak (previous owner installed plugs and pried them out leaving some pretty nasty grooves).
Get yourself some 20mm freeze (expansion) plugs, I use napa because they seem to always have them in stock. part #381-2151 They should run you about $2.
Clean the ports in the housings well, and check for burrs, or irregularities. A fine grit sandpaper and your finger will smooth out any imperfections quite nicely.
Acquire a suitable installation driver tool, I use a craftsman 6in 3/8 drive socket extension.
A light coat of rtv will act as a lubricant for install and as a sealing agent once they are in.
With a hammer and your socket extension (or other appropriately sized tool) drive them in square to the housing, and just below the surface.
Clean up the errant rtv, and put it all back together. I usually let them cure for a few hours before re-assembly, and overnight before running.
Isaac
Get yourself some 20mm freeze (expansion) plugs, I use napa because they seem to always have them in stock. part #381-2151 They should run you about $2.
Clean the ports in the housings well, and check for burrs, or irregularities. A fine grit sandpaper and your finger will smooth out any imperfections quite nicely.
Acquire a suitable installation driver tool, I use a craftsman 6in 3/8 drive socket extension.
A light coat of rtv will act as a lubricant for install and as a sealing agent once they are in.
With a hammer and your socket extension (or other appropriately sized tool) drive them in square to the housing, and just below the surface.
Clean up the errant rtv, and put it all back together. I usually let them cure for a few hours before re-assembly, and overnight before running.
Isaac
Trending Topics
03-12-12, 10:36 AM
#10
its supposed to do that
Thread Starter
Isaac
03-12-12, 11:44 AM
#11
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. The coolant passages going into the intake manifold are only there to heat it up faster in the winter, right? How much of an effect does blocking them off have on cold weather starts, even if I keep my choke?
03-14-12, 01:30 AM
#13
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a block-off plate for the ACV, and since I'd be installing a new intake gasket anyway, I'd be making absolutely sure that I'm getting the right one. Unless I'm missing something obvious...?
The following users liked this post:
revchux (09-18-17)
01-16-14, 10:19 AM
#15
Junior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: western mass
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
how reversible is this process? I'd really like to try freeze plugs and see how it effects cold starts. but is it possible to remove them without doing a rebuild? maybe drill out the center to pull em out?
01-16-14, 10:37 AM
#16
They come out really easy. I just took a screw driver and tapped it on one side of the indented part (not the ring). The plug swiveled and I was able to pull it out with a pair of pliers. Whatever you do, do not put the screwdriver between the plug and the housing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
