FREEZE PLUGS ~ DO YOU or DON'T YOU

[SCHOONER]

Hi Guys

Going to Engine Repair class and I'm working on my engine along with the instuctor, plus others in the class.

We (him and i) installed freeze plugs on my '66 Ford Mustang 289 engine WITHOUT SEALANT

He (the instructor) said, " ... there's no need for sealant the plugs will be O.K. and not leak"

O.K. Guys: QUESTION(S) IS HE RIGHT
DO I TAKE OUT THE PLUGS AND SEAL 'EM OR NOT

And what would you recommend I seal 'em with if I'm to do so

I wait for you experience.

THANKS GUYS
GOD BLESS

Schooner

[DeltaMustang65]

I couldn't even find the answer to this in my old mustang shop manuals, so I went to the trusty college engine rebuilding shop book. This is what it says:

To replace a freeze plug, use the following procedure:

1. Drive a drift or large full-shank screwdriver through the plug.

2. Pry sideways, without scraping the engine block or cylinder head. The plug should pop out.

Here's what I'm guessing you want...

3. Sand the core plug hole in the engine and wipe it clean.

4. Coat the plug hole with non-hardening sealer. <=====

5. Drive a new freeze plug squarely into position.

Unless you're using an expansion freeze plug or some other weird type of plug, I'd say your teacher is wrong on this one.

[mustangII460]

Use sealer.

I don't know how many Ive installed over the last 25 years, but I used silicone on everyone.

[Gearhead999]

Non-hardening Permatex or RTV on all of them. You'll be sorry if you don't one of these days.

[SCHOONER]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999

Non-hardening Permatex or RTV on all of them. You'll be sorry if you don't one of these days.

Hey Gearhead999

Thank you for the tip, surely appreciate it.

GOD BLESS

Schooner

[SCHOONER]

Originally Posted by DeltaMustang65

I couldn't even find the answer to this in my old mustang shop manuals, so I went to the trusty college engine rebuilding shop book. This is what it says:

To replace a freeze plug, use the following procedure:

1. Drive a drift or large full-shank screwdriver through the plug.

2. Pry sideways, without scraping the engine block or cylinder head. The plug should pop out.

Here's what I'm guessing you want...

3. Sand the core plug hole in the engine and wipe it clean.

4. Coat the plug hole with non-hardening sealer. <=====

5. Drive a new freeze plug squarely into position.

Unless you're using an expansion freeze plug or some other weird type of plug, I'd say your teacher is wrong on this one.

Hey Guy

Thank you

Schooner

[bmxmon]

I didnt when i rebuilt my engine and they are still hanging in there. I have heard its a good idea to though, so you might as well. Might piss off your teacher though...

[DeltaMustang65]

The teacher isn't the one that's going to have to fix it down the road, so let him be as pissed as he likes.