Freeze plug looks bad

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duncman

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318 V8
Any one replace freeze plugs on a 318 before? Does not look all that bad, just gotta remove the starter. I have never done freeze plugs before but they do not look all that complicated.
 

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crazzywolfie

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it will most likely be a bit harder than you think but not too bad. just get some good quality freeze plugs and you should be good. you might have to fight to get the starter out of the way but i think it is possible.
 

Kpearson

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I haven't done mine yet, but I know that one a 289 that I'm helping with we had to drain the coolant and pull the coolant plugs from the back of the block. After that it was removal of the starter and pop them out. Clean the seat really well and seat them back in.

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Rustycowl69

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that is a pretty common issue with older LA engines, especially if the coolant mix has not been maintained faithfully, The way the coolant circulates, the left side freeze plugs rot first. Then the back of the block plugs go next. When you drain the coolant, replace all the left plugs at the same time. Use brass plugs if you only want to do it once and you plan on keeping the truck for awhile. While the plugs are out use compressed air and a garden hose nozzle to wash out all the rust and sand which has piled up in the water jackets and against the plugs, causing the plugs to rot. Use that dark brown Form a Gasket (#2?) goo to coat the sides of the plug, prior to insertion .
 
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duncman

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Thanks for all the advice. I was able to swap the freeze plug out with out that much trouble, just had to drop the starter and I had all the room in the world.

The coolent system was nasty, looked like mud had gotten in there, I was able to flush the block and the radiator real good to get all of the gunk out. I buttoned everything up and drove it around the block with no leaks. I park it and start putting tools away and I hear water dripping, I look down and there is a steady stream coolent leaking from under the truck. After some investigation I find that it's coming from the weep hole on the water pump, so now I get to pull that sucker off tomorrow. Weeeee
 

Rustycowl69

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HAHAHA, I forgot to mention the corollary to Murphys Law. Shortly after draining, flushing, and refilling with fresh anti freeze, another leak will appear, and you will lose most if not all your new coolant.
 
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duncman

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Water pump is in and no leaks so far! Thanks for all yalls help on this.
 

ajmecum5.21500

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Does anyone know how much coolant ill lose replacing the 4 accesible ones on the 5.2 engine? I've been catching most of what's leaking out and I'm at about 2 gallons
 
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