October 23, 200619 yr 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.
October 23, 200619 yr 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
October 23, 200619 yr Author 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.
October 23, 200619 yr 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
October 23, 200619 yr Author 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.
October 23, 200619 yr 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
October 23, 200619 yr You should also put a small amount of sealant where the plugs meet the head. I like Permatex "aviation form-a-gasket" for this.
October 24, 200619 yr Author 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?
October 26, 200619 yr Author 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?
October 26, 200619 yr 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
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