Removing block drain plugs. - NCRS Discussion Boards

Removing block drain plugs.

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  • Bruce B.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • May 31, 1996
    • 2930

    Removing block drain plugs.

    What is the best way to remove the 2 drain plugs on my 870 block.
    I tried a 1/2" drive ratchet but they won't budge.
    I can try a long breaker bar or a impact driver but I want to be sure I won't damage the block. Will heat help?
    All info will be appreciated.
  • Timothy B.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • April 30, 1983
    • 5186

    #2
    Re: Removing block drain plugs.

    Bruce,

    Make sure you use a six point socket and try the breaker bar. I don't know if heat will help because there is usually plenty water in the block.

    Better wait and see what others say about the heat.

    Comment

    • Robert G.
      Expired
      • May 31, 1990
      • 429

      #3
      Re: Removing block drain plugs.

      Is the block out of the car? I would guess so. You may be better off drilling them out.

      Comment

      • Bruce B.
        Extremely Frequent Poster
        • May 31, 1996
        • 2930

        #4
        Re: Removing block drain plugs.

        The block is in the car with no plans to remove it.

        Comment

        • Stuart F.
          Expired
          • August 31, 1996
          • 4676

          #5
          Re: Removing block drain plugs.

          Bruce;

          You have the luxury of less impediments on your 62 than I did with my 63 (motor mounts). I did mine last cool season by blocking up the engine and removing the mounts, then used a breaker bar and a 6 point socket. They are only pipe plugs and have a corrosion build up. The best way to flush out the block, of course, is to run the engine to full warm using a good flush additive. When you remove the plugs, stand back because a whole lot of hot coolant full of grit will come blowing out. There is a lot of sediment that settles in the lower portions of the water jackets.

          I did this on my first Chevy V8 back in 1958 or 59. I was constantly having trouble with air/steam pockets forming which showed up as overheat on the top water manifold sensor. Flushing out the block took care of that real good.

          Stu Fox

          Comment

          • Terry M.
            Beyond Control Poster
            • September 30, 1980
            • 15599

            #6
            Re: Removing block drain plugs.

            Originally posted by Bruce Bursten (27670)
            What is the best way to remove the 2 drain plugs on my 870 block.
            I tried a 1/2" drive ratchet but they won't budge.
            I can try a long breaker bar or a impact driver but I want to be sure I won't damage the block. Will heat help?
            All info will be appreciated.
            My preference is a high quality air impact. High quality because you want good trigger control. That is what separates the good tools from the want-a-Be's for impact wrenches.

            The more extensions, and especially flexible extensions (be sure to use flexible sockets/extensions designed for use with an impact wrench) you have to use the less effective the hammer action of the impact is -- so try to get enough clearance to use the impact directly on the six-point socket.
            Terry

            Comment

            • Brian M.
              Extremely Frequent Poster
              • February 1, 1997
              • 1838

              #7
              Re: Removing block drain plugs.

              And don't be afraid to leave them alone, most were never removed with no ill effects. JMHO

              Comment

              • Stuart F.
                Expired
                • August 31, 1996
                • 4676

                #8
                Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                I would have never taken them out of my 58 fuelie block either except I was having the problem with steam pockets and that was recommended to me. I became a believer when I saw how much crud blew out of there, and that did cure the problem. I just wish it were easier to do on the side mount engines. But, if I had a C-1, it'd do it each time I flushed the system and changed coolant. The flush is not complete unless you do the block as well.

                Stu Fox

                Comment

                • Jim T.
                  Expired
                  • March 1, 1993
                  • 5351

                  #9
                  Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                  I removed the block drain plugs from my 68 about 6-7 years ago for the first time. They were not difficult to remove, was very much surprised since I knew for a fact this was the first time they had been removed since they were installed.
                  Although it is written on page 45 of my 68's owners manual to remove the block drain plugs to drain the system of coolant it was not done during earlier coolant changes because the the spark plug wire shields have to be removed.
                  The first time the block drain plugs were removed a lot of sediment/debris came out with the coolant. Even the second coolant change with the removal of the drain plugs a only little more debris was removed.

                  When doing the coolant change on my 1985 and 1996 LT4 I always remove the knock sensors to drain the coolant from the block. The knock sensors are screwed in the blocks drain holes.
                  Last edited by Jim T.; October 23, 2010, 08:52 AM.

                  Comment

                  • Terry M.
                    Beyond Control Poster
                    • September 30, 1980
                    • 15599

                    #10
                    Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                    Originally posted by Jim Trekell (22375)
                    When doing the coolant change on my 1985 and 1996 LT4 I always remove the knock sensors to drain the coolant from the block. The knock sensors are screwed in the blocks drain holes.
                    I do it on my Gen II LT1s and the LS1. The LS1 is the easiest -- if one has a 17mm hex driver. A nice big (like 3-inch diameter) threaded brass plate.
                    Terry

                    Comment

                    • Duke W.
                      Beyond Control Poster
                      • January 1, 1993
                      • 15667

                      #11
                      Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                      Use pipe joint compound on the threads when you put them back in. I don't think there are specific recommended torques for NPT - just snug enough for no leaks. With pipe joint compound that's not very much - maybe 50-100 INCH-pounds.

                      The reason why these are sometimes tough to remove is that they were not installed with pipe joint compound and then way overtorqued sometime in the past.

                      The block should always be drained to thoroughly remove old coolant. Once you get the drain plugs installed properly, the next time will be easy.

                      Duke

                      Comment

                      • Ronald L.
                        Extremely Frequent Poster
                        • October 18, 2009
                        • 3248

                        #12
                        Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                        Duke, most all this thread pertains to the 327 drain plugs, what about 427?

                        Is that the plug down under the fuel pump?

                        Comment

                        • Clem Z.
                          Expired
                          • January 1, 2006
                          • 9427

                          #13
                          Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                          Originally posted by Ronald Lovelace (50931)
                          Duke, most all this thread pertains to the 327 drain plugs, what about 427?

                          Is that the plug down under the fuel pump?
                          block drain plugs are in the same place as the SBC and the one under the fuel pump on a BBC is to get to the fuel pump push rod

                          Comment

                          • Domenic T.
                            Expired
                            • January 29, 2010
                            • 2452

                            #14
                            Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                            OK,
                            The heat method, LAST resort that I have used on these water plugs and the smaller oil plugs on the BB above the pan.
                            I have only done this with the block out and it is easier than drilling them out.
                            This is backwards to the way you expand a hole to get what was screwed in out.
                            You get your torch out and instantly heat the plug red, (not the block) then put a large wax candle on the threads, it will catch fire so wear gloves and be prepared.
                            Unscrew the plug with ease.
                            The red hot plug expands and makes room for the lubricating wax to enter as it cools.
                            I admit it sounds wierd but I have saved hours and hours with NO block damage.
                            This works really well when removing the 1/8 allen oil gallery plugs on the BB so you can run a gun cleaner thru it when cleaning for rebuild.
                            And the torch tip I use is the cutting tip, It's does the job the safest as it concentrates the heat faster and centralized.
                            NO PROPANE TORCHES

                            DOM

                            Comment

                            • Clem Z.
                              Expired
                              • January 1, 2006
                              • 9427

                              #15
                              Re: Removing block drain plugs.

                              Originally posted by Domenic Tallarita (51287)
                              OK,
                              The heat method, LAST resort that I have used on these water plugs and the smaller oil plugs on the BB above the pan.
                              I have only done this with the block out and it is easier than drilling them out.
                              This is backwards to the way you expand a hole to get what was screwed in out.
                              You get your torch out and instantly heat the plug red, (not the block) then put a large wax candle on the threads, it will catch fire so wear gloves and be prepared.
                              Unscrew the plug with ease.
                              The red hot plug expands and makes room for the lubricating wax to enter as it cools.
                              I admit it sounds wierd but I have saved hours and hours with NO block damage.
                              This works really well when removing the 1/8 allen oil gallery plugs on the BB so you can run a gun cleaner thru it when cleaning for rebuild.
                              And the torch tip I use is the cutting tip, It's does the job the safest as it concentrates the heat faster and centralized.
                              NO PROPANE TORCHES

                              DOM
                              will not work with a block full of coolant as it conducts the heat away too fast

                              Comment

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