mlepesant

Nice work. Take your time when you put everything back together. You're almost done.

PocketsEmpty

Well, bad news. Got everything back together and fired her up, to find coolant streaming off the block right where the bad plug was to begin with. Pretty sure we cracked the brass plug while hammering it in--it was tough to get good leverage on it with the motor mount in the way. FML! Got a new steel one to replace it so hopefully that will hold up better.....time to tear it down again

mlepesant

Sorry to hear that. Can't believe it! How did you hammer it in? I think that's the one I had the most problems with because of the motor mount. You have to be patient and start it straight. Either use a socket to start it straight or start it by hammering lightly on the edges, going around the whole plug until it is seating right. But never hammer with anything inside the plug unless it touches the whole plug diameter at the same time (screwdriver vs socket for example). I don't think it would make a difference in this case because it shouldn't leak like that but did you use a sealant?

PocketsEmpty

Well my freeze plug woes continue. Pop and I decided to go with original steel plugs since we messed up the brass ones. The steel ones went in too easily, but we figured it would have been strong enough. Wrong...was driving fine for about a week, then BOOM. the one that was originally leaking had popped out while driving and my motor overheated. it sounded BAD when I tried to get it to a safe spot to pull over. I don't think I blew it up completely though.

So last night I tore her all down again (this time it only took an hour and 45 minutes, including removing the motor mount this time!) and awaiting the brass ones to try with again. Really starting to become a massive headache.

We indeed have used a socket that fits good on the inside. It didn't seem to affect the integrity of the plugs. We used RTV black sealant, but after cruising the hot rod forums and some other places it seems that Indian Head is preferred so we are using that this time...and also putting the freeze plugs in the freezer for a few hours before installation. heard that helps too. Hope they stay put this time, otherwise I'm going back to steel and welding the bastards straight into the block!!!