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How to remove and install freeze plugs

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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 03:40 PM
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Default How to remove and install freeze plugs

Since my transmission is out for a clutch swap and my heads are on the way I thought I would do the head swap too. To not have to deal with getting coolant out of the head bolt holes I thought I would remove the freeze plugs since I can get to the one over the started easily with the tranny out.

How do you remove these and how do you install new ones?
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 03:47 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

I found this on the Popular Mechanics web site:

The correct way to make this repair is, of course, to remove the old, leaking plugs before hammering in new ones. An easy way to do it is to take a large drift or chisel and knock them askew before pulling them out with pliers. Stubborn plugs may have to have a hole punched through them to give enough purchase to lever them out. This isn’t necessarily easy from underneath a crowded engine compartment. In fact, this might require removing a starter motor, crossmember or part of the exhaust system. Clean the bore of the casting core hole with sandpaper or a scraper to remove any corrosion. Coat the new plug with sealer, and tap it in carefully with a proper driver—or a large-diameter socket or a hockey puck.
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 04:41 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

any idea what type of sealant?
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 04:53 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

No, it didn't say. I imagine the blue stuff.
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 05:18 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

There are two freeze plugs you need to remove - one on the driver's side (to the right of the alternator) and one on the passenger side (above the starter).

Just reinstall them with some thread sealer and you will be fine.

Also, you do not need to chisel them out. They are simply threaded into the block.

Jason
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 05:21 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

Be prepared to get splooged in coolant! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Justin
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 06:17 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jsears8:
<strong>Be prepared to get splooged in coolant! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Justin</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">lol... I think your driveway is still drying out from the heads install. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 07:28 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jsears8:
<strong>Be prepared to get splooged in coolant! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Justin</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">LOL, I've been crunched, whipped, smelly and reprimanded, but I've never been splooged! I've got to remember that one!
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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 09:21 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

Hey Jason, hope you have sold your clutch.

So you recommend the approach of removing freeze plugs over drying out the head bolt holes? What tool have you used to back the plugs out of the threads?
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Old Sep 12, 2002 | 02:19 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

what are freez plugs for anyway <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
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Old Sep 13, 2002 | 08:03 PM
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Default Re: How to remove and install freeze plugs

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by stang killer:
<strong>what are freez plugs for anyway <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">for people who don't use anti-freeze and live where white stuff falls outta the sky.
<img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" />
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