C3 - Front Freeze Plug Repair

[Greg F.]

I noticed the front freeze plug is leaking on my 71 small block. It's the plug just above the power steering pump (driver's side). It doesn't appear to be bad but I don't have indepth experience in this area either. Could it be a bad seal on the plug? Also, does the engine have to be removed to repair this plug? It looks like it's feasible to repair if the radiator, shroud and possibly the fan are removed. Has anyone attempted to repair this particular plug before?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - Front Freeze Plug Repair

Greg-----

There is no "seal", per se, on the plug---it's simply an interference fit in the block. The plug can be replaced with the block in the car if you can access it.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C3 - Front Freeze Plug Repair

Any body want to run through how to replace freeze plugs? I'm considering doing this, and I've never done it. Looks straightforward, but I want to make sure I don't forget anything. How do you get the old ones out? Should you use some sealant on the new ones? How do you install the new ones? What should I watch out for?

[Stephen L.]

Re: C3 - Front Freeze Plug Repair

I had a freeze plug leak on my BB. It had actually rusted through due to a buildup of sludge on the inner side. The remaining plugs were all relatively "thin" due to rust.

Don't be surprised if others start leaking in the not too distant future.

[Stephen L.]

Re: C3 - Front Freeze Plug Repair

Remove the old plugs by punching a hole in them and twisting them out.

New ones are an interference fit. Didn't have any sealant from the factory.

To install simply align with the hole and tap into place with a piece of wood or dowel so the edge is flush or slightly inside the block surface.

While you have them out, try to flush any scale/sediment out of the block. Many of the plugs are not accessible with the engine assembled... there are some behind the flywheel and up under the exhaust manifolds.

[Dave P.]

Re: C3 - Front Freeze Plug Repair

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