Freeze plug thoughts....

stock600

stock600

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Apr 1, 2008
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Hey guys the 3 plugs on the pass. side are still unprotected at this time Ive built brackets to cover the front and rear but need to get these others fixed asap. I now run the HTT 3rd gen stainless manifold wich Ive noticed put the turbine housing right at the rear most plug, Im concerned that the extra heat right there at the plug could help it cause to turn loose? Where's the best priced plugs out there, Ive looked at it today as if to build something to cover them also but theres really not a good boss around to bolt to. I'll be switching over to the big charger pretty soon and would like to install them at that time. Thanks guys.
Ryan
 
stock600 said:
Hey guys the 3 plugs on the pass. side are still unprotected at this time Ive built brackets to cover the front and rear but need to get these others fixed asap. I now run the HTT 3rd gen stainless manifold wich Ive noticed put the turbine housing right at the rear most plug, Im concerned that the extra heat right there at the plug could help it cause to turn loose? Where's the best priced plugs out there, Ive looked at it today as if to build something to cover them also but theres really not a good boss around to bolt to. I'll be switching over to the big charger pretty soon and would like to install them at that time. Thanks guys.
Ryan
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heres what I've been thinking. and its a little in left field, but when i have my motor out I'm considering tapping all the freeze plug holes for pipe thread plugs. even the ones in the side of the block should have more than enough material, if it means putting the plug in and marking it and grinding it down some so it doesn't stick too far into the block than that is what i will do. They are even available in stainless pretty cheap, the flat ones with allen head in the center.

call me crazy, but, i think the time and money beats a blown out plug.
 
What about drilling and pinning the plugs? Or using an epoxy to keep them in? I think that would be the fastest effective way to do it and not have an issue. $.02
 
Rollin Coal said:
heres what I've been thinking. and its a little in left field, but when i have my motor out I'm considering tapping all the freeze plug holes for pipe thread plugs. even the ones in the side of the block should have more than enough material, if it means putting the plug in and marking it and grinding it down some so it doesn't stick too far into the block than that is what i will do. They are even available in stainless pretty cheap, the flat ones with allen head in the center.

call me crazy, but, i think the time and money beats a blown out plug.
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I agree and have even thought of that also but not as far as to mic the hole and see what tap size it would be. If there not to expensive the all ready fabbed t-bar style would work. Im just wanting to catch it before it becomes a problem, the more I look at it the more I think the manifold being close is going to cause the issue from more close up heat. Any one noticed if more CR's are having freeze plug issues than us 12v guys, Ive not read much on it myself..... Ryan
 
Turbo Performance said:
What about drilling and pinning the plugs? Or using an epoxy to keep them in? I think that would be the fastest effective way to do it and not have an issue. $.02
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Ummm not sure, Ive thought of that and even to drill and tap like a 10-32 or 1/4x20 right on each side of them and do a simple bracket but concerned of the thickness of the side of the block there, just dont want to create an issue while trying to fix another you know.. some 'stake' iron to hold plugs in but a mechanical fastener would make me feel better.
 
would a turbo jacket or something similar work to keep the heat off them ? Could be a cheaper strategy ??
 
I wasn't aware of guys having issues with it blowing out freeze plugs with electric water pumps? I thought it was more from high rpms on stock belt driven pumps?
 
triton said:
would a turbo jacket or something similar work to keep the heat off them ? Could be a cheaper strategy ??
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A turbo blanket would keep the heat off the plug but heat or not, I still think it's a good idea for all high HP racers to have pinned, epoxied or bolted freeze plugs. I don't think all plug failures are heat induced, although it could speed the failure.
 
dvst8r said:
I wasn't aware of guys having issues with it blowing out freeze plugs with electric water pumps? I thought it was more from high rpms on stock belt driven pumps?
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It very well may be, it's just an additional saftey thing in my mind. It feels pretty fast in that crowded little cockpit any saftey stuff gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling. The turbine housing being so close is what tiped me off that it might later become a problem. The link above didnt work for me, Ill try it again. Thanks
 
I think Levi's sugestion of drilling and pinning the plugs is a fairly good one, it's also inexpensive and quick.
 
What size would you suggest? Small ones in an angle? Maybe, I like the simple and Cheap methods when thier good for sure.
 
I'm not 100% sure what's readily available but I would think a few 1/8" roll pins should hold...at least 3, maybe 4.
 
I don't think there are any examples of electric waterpump and blown freeze plugs. Anyone?
 
LReiff said:
I'm not 100% sure what's readily available but I would think a few 1/8" roll pins should hold...at least 3, maybe 4.
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That's exactly what I've seen used Lee. Our local machine shop does it for all the performance engines we've sent to them. IIRC he uses 3 pins drilled at an angle.
 
We drill and tap all of the freeze plugs behind the tappet cover, then install pipe plugs.

Prevents instant oil contamination!
 
I've seen people use small sheet metal screws to pin the freeze plugs. I wonder if you could just drill a small 1/8" pilot hole and use a high quality self tapping screw of similar size. That way your setup is easily removable.
 
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