Freeze plugs

blykins · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 04:46 AM

I have never used anything but brass on my engines. Just wipe a little bit of RTV around them before you install. If you don't have a freeze plug driver, just use the biggest socket that you can fit into the plug.

DAVID GAGNARD · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:10 AM

or you can get a very large pipe tap and thread the freeze plugs holes and buy the BOSS 302 freeze plug kit and use the screw-in freeze plugs.......
Not hard to do..........

David

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...28MVC-012S.JPG

Rick Parker · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:50 AM

David: 2 Very large taps, one to start the threads and a shorter (cut off with abrasive wheel) to finish the last of the threads without hitting the outside of the cylinders, or tap all the hole initially wiht the full length tap, then cut it off and continue enlarging each previously threaded hole. Then you only buy 1 tap.

DAVID GAGNARD · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

David: 2 Very large taps, one to start the threads and a shorter (cut off with abrasive wheel) to finish the last of the threads without hitting the outside of the cylinders, or tap all the hole initially wiht the full length tap, then cut it off and continue enlarging each previously threaded hole. Then you only buy 1 tap.

Rick:
The picture of the block is my race motor and the only reason we did that, is, one of the freeze plug holes was badly pitted and we thought sealing would be an issue, it's a 1971 302 junkyard block...The machine shop that did my boring had the tap and they had cut it down as you stated. He does this on just about all the Ford blocks he builds for racing purposes, from 302s to 460s....
I've never ever had any problems with regular ole brass freeze plugs, we just did this one cause of the pitting in the hole, but, now, since he has the tap, I'll probably do all my blocks, it just looks cool as well as being very functional....he found a shop that sells the freeze plugs fairly cheap, I wanna say maybe fifteen bucks for the set......

Quote:

Does anyone know where you can get BRASS SCREW-IN freeze plugs?

I've never seen any, but, then, I've never looked for them either... I would look at some industrial hardware/plumbing places, I'm sure you could find them at places like that or they could order them for you......

David

tcrist · #5 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

I have never used anything but brass on my engines. Just wipe a little bit of RTV around them before you install. If you don't have a freeze plug driver, just use the biggest socket that you can fit into the plug.

Blykins,

Does the RTV help keep the plugs from blowing out? My brother-in-law had a jet boat with a 460 in it and he kept blowing out the freeze plugs. Made it a real exciting boat ride, trying to keep the boat from filling with water.

Terry