espey_16 Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 I pulled my valve covers off today to replace the gasgets, and there was a plug sitting in each head. It was the same plug on each side. What does that mean? I tapped each one in as well as I could, But neither one went all the way in. Will this cause me any problems later? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 You ever run this engine? Sounds like those are freeze plugs.... did the engine freeze at some point with only water in the cooling system? GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espey_16 Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 You ever run this engine? Sounds like those are freeze plugs.... did the engine freeze at some point with only water in the cooling system? GD It might have, I went away for a year, and while I was gone my friend pulled the engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Yeah - you are going to want new freeze plugs - usually once they have popped out they are not good to reuse. You don't want them to leak.... It probably froze with only water in the engine - the ice expands and blows the plugs out - it's a good thing because otherwise it would crack the heads or block. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espey_16 Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 Yeah - you are going to want new freeze plugs - usually once they have popped out they are not good to reuse. You don't want them to leak.... It probably froze with only water in the engine - the ice expands and blows the plugs out - it's a good thing because otherwise it would crack the heads or block. GD There are 3 per head, 1 on each side and 1 in the top middle, how do you install those? Thanks for the help, with my clutch and this problem GD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 They are steel, and are basically just a friction fit. You will see the new ones you get are concave and the edges have a wedge shape. Use a socket that is near the same diameter with an extension on it to pound them in. No problem on the help - that's what we are all here for. Even I have questions now and then Oh - and you probably only need to replace the ones that have popped out GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 You should also put a small amount of sealant where the plugs meet the head. I like Permatex "aviation form-a-gasket" for this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espey_16 Posted October 24, 2006 Author Share Posted October 24, 2006 Will Permatex 77B work? Thats what I used for my valve covers. And, yesterday I tapped each one in about half way, how would I get those back out without pulling the heads? Would a heat gun work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espey_16 Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 Ok so yesterday I couldnt get the plugs out, and I didnt want to pull my head (though I probably should have), so I just pulled off the rocker arms, and took a 14mm socket and pounded the plugs the rest of the way in. Will the plugs be prone to popping out now, and if they do come out, how will I know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Naw - you should be fine. They were installed dry at the factory I'm pretty sure. If they come out, all your coolant will flow into the oil pan. Overheat, milkshake, etc. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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