$20 Freeze Plug ?

[Scott 440 TNT]

After having the huge hole in the bottom tank of the radiator patched twice I was hoping for some progress in getting the TNT running cool. But while adding the third gallon of anti freeze of course fluid starts coming from one of the heads :/ Lucky me it was the front plug so I was able to just barely get to it. At Autozone they only had one 1.25" brass freeze plug in stock, and wouldn't you know it was made of Gold because the computer showed $20 for it :/ So I quickly went to their competitor and got a steely for $0.88 So after contorting myself and getting it punched in I was happily adding AF again, but of course another leak started on the opposite head. This time it's the back plug and requires the exhaust manifold to come off
It hasn't been a quick and easy start for the TNT but it's making progress but there's still a long list of needs before its road worthy. Wish me luck and prayers, I need them.

 

[Newport 66]

Might want to do them all and be done with it. Good luck!

 

[CBODY67]

As much as brass plugs might be desired, the normal steel ones will last for years, if installed well.

Keep us posted,
CBODY67

 

[Scott 440 TNT]

Might want to do them all and be done with it. Good luck!

How hard will it be to access the other freeze plugs with the engine in the car and how many are in the block besides the four in the heads.

 

[CBODY67]

4 more on the sides of the block. Unsure about on the rear.

 

[413]

3 on each side of the block =6 in block

2 on the side of each head
1 on each end of each head =4 on each head

14 total on a 1968 440.

block ones are tough. There is one on each side behind the engine mount bracket.

 

[Big_John]

At least they knew what the plug was. My last venture into an O"Rieleys has a counter person wanting to charge me $45 for a small (340 oil pump) expansion plug. He had no idea what it was.

IMHO, figure out why the plug was leaking. While it happens, the block plugs usually leak long before the head plugs do. If the plug is rotted through, then yea, you can figure on having to replace the others sometime in the future. If it's just loose or a small spot, you might be fine for years to come.

IMHO, the plugs probably aren't going to just rapidly fail one day. I'd leave them alone unless you really feel they are really bad. Just keep an eye on them.


Either way, the rear head plugs and the block plugs are going to be a PITA. This style plug works well as an "in the car" fix and some boat guys use these on new builds. Look for "bronze expansion plug".

Usually about $5-6 a piece.

The rubber versions are temporary (in theory) but I've been surprised to find them in cars with years of service on them. Not recommending them, but they will work and sometimes you do what you gotta do.

 

[Scott 440 TNT]

The first plug to start gushing fluid was half rusted out, the second has a small hole. So I will replace what I can reach for now and hope for the best as I continue trying to get some sustained life in this old dame

 

[Big_John]

The first plug to start gushing fluid was half rusted out, the second has a small hole. So I will replace what I can reach for now and hope for the best as I continue trying to get some sustained life in this old dame

Well, those bronze plugs do work. You'll have to buy them by size rather than application and don't expect the local O'AdvanceZone to carry them. Like I say, some boat guys swear by them and use them in new builds, so they will work nicely.

 

[Scott 440 TNT]

I was surprised when I removed the exhaust manifold because there was no gasket.
What's up with that, cheap mechanic.
Replaced the two freeze plugs in the head and one engine block plug that was leaking also.
I hope the others will hold for a while.

 

[413]

The factory never used exhaust manifold gaskets. True story.

 

[Big_John]

I was surprised when I removed the exhaust manifold because there was no gasket.
What's up with that, cheap mechanic.

The factory never used exhaust manifold gaskets. True story.

^This^

And don't stick a gasket in there. Every one I've ever seen burns out eventually. I think when someone says "But the manifold is warped", it's because some dumbass used a gasket.

 

[Scott 440 TNT]

^This^

And don't stick a gasket in there. Every one I've ever seen burns out eventually. I think when someone says "But the manifold is warped", it's because some dumbass used a gasket.

I wish I new that before this Dumbass bought new gaskets and installed it :/

 

[Big_John]

I wish I new that before this Dumbass bought new gaskets and installed it :/

It's going to be easier to take them out now rather than later when the nuts have rusted up a bit.

Your choice though.

 

[Scott 440 TNT]

It's going to be easier to take them out now rather than later when the nuts have rusted up a bit.

Your choice though.

What's the torque for the manifold bolts supposed to be.
Thanks

 

[Scott 440 TNT]

I'm going Gasketless

 

[Big_John]

What's the torque for the manifold bolts supposed to be.
Thanks

No idea... Never used a torque wrench on them myself.

Look it up in the FSM. Download one here if you don't have one. If they don't have the year of your car, grab the nearest one. They are pretty much the same.
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=109