63 freeze out plugs

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 freeze out plugs

The foundries have huge machines that shake/vibrate the green block to get the core sand out through those holes... what Terry and Joe said, but in some cases, probably rare, the plugs might pop and prevent cracking if the coolant freezes, but that's not their primary purpose.

I agree that the term "freeze plug" is a misnomer, but it's less of a mouthful than "core sand extraction hole plug."

Duke

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 freeze out plugs

Bob, pop a couple of seal-well cubes in the block before you install the freeze plugs, you be glad you did. Phil 8063

Philip,

What are seal well cubes, are you talking about the stop leak tablets?

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 freeze out plugs

How many have experienced a plug having a pin hole leak? I had one in my 58 fuelie engine, probably when it was only a few years old as I sold it in 1961. I recall lying on my back, piercing it and prying it out (lots of fun). Replacing was fairly straight forward using a seal driving tool and hammer. Of course, the engine was in a 56 Chevy post - not a Vette. Recall also using some kind of sealer on the plug.

Stu Fox

[Perry M.]

Re: 63 freeze out plugs

How many have experienced a plug having a pin hole leak? I had one in my 58 fuelie engine, probably when it was only a few years old as I sold it in 1961. I recall lying on my back, piercing it and prying it out (lots of fun). Replacing was fairly straight forward using a seal driving tool and hammer. Of course, the engine was in a 56 Chevy post - not a Vette. Recall also using some kind of sealer on the plug.

Stu Fox

I had the same issue with my '63 a few years back. The thin steel plugs rust through quicker than the cast iron block. It was fun changing it out from behind the motor mount.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 freeze out plugs

How many have experienced a plug having a pin hole leak? I had one in my 58 fuelie engine, probably when it was only a few years old as I sold it in 1961. I recall lying on my back, piercing it and prying it out (lots of fun). Replacing was fairly straight forward using a seal driving tool and hammer. Of course, the engine was in a 56 Chevy post - not a Vette. Recall also using some kind of sealer on the plug.

Stu Fox

Stu------


Sealer should ALWAYS be applied to the perimeter of the plugs prior to installation.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 freeze out plugs

I had the same issue with my '63 a few years back. The thin steel plugs rust through quicker than the cast iron block. It was fun changing it out from behind the motor mount.

Perry-----


The brass plugs are essentially "immortal".