Explansion Plug Life Saver

[1970FuryConv]

Within the last year all 4 freeze plugs on the sides of my 1970 318 block have rusted out and started seeping coolant. I considered replacing them with stock freeze plugs, but the holes are behind exhaust pipes, engine support struts, oil filter, etc. Hard to get an angle to hammer them in straight. I found these Dorman 02604 1 5/8 expansion plugs at Advance. 4 of them cost $13. They can't misalign because you just knock them into the hole until the washer is seated against the outside to the block. Then it's just few turns with a 1/2 wrench or socket to tighten them against the block, add anti-freeze, and your driving again. (at least until something else rusts out or breaks) Note old freeze plugs and rust that was keeping them from healthy coolant contact.

 

[65sporty]

Be sure to wash the block out good. I would take the time to install the stock freeze plugs, use a little sealant on the edge. There is a installation tool just for soft plugs. Good luck

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Those work good.

 

[68plymouth383]

It looks like your block had been fed a healthy diet of hose/tap water with minerals in it and never ran antifreeze for years.........
I know prob since you owned it you ran antifreeze. It was already corroded......... That's what rots out freeze plugs.

 

[1970FuryConv]

I agree. Plus the car was only started once or twice a year for the past 12 years. The owner never used the car, so whatever was in it had plenty of time to deteriorate and cause rust. I took it for a drive today, top down, with my family. Very enjoyable, although the poor 318 has knock if I accelerate too hard. This engine is original, but only temporary, until I get my 440 built and installed. The expansion plugs were an easy temporary fix.