In a message dated 07/06/2004 11:09:31 AM Pacific Standard Time,
Editorgary@aol.com writes:
My question now is: When I replace the freeze plug, should I just do it
according to the manual, using a standard plug peened into place, or should I
fasten it in with a screw retainer as has been recommended by some of the race
mechanics? All opinions appreciated.
There are two ways to do it reasonably reliably.
You can peen them in the normal way and then run a bead of epoxy at the
joint, or drill and tap a couple of small holes in the block so you can install
a
bar with a screw at each end and a bolt that (just) presses on the plug in
the middle.
I favour the former because of potential problems drilling too deep or
otherwise screwing up the installation of the bar. I have even seen people put
too
much pressure on the setscrew in the middle which then CAUSES the plug to go
over centre and leak.
Just having a bar doesn't do much good, as the plug can move and leak (quite
a bit) while not able to pop right out. The epoxy seems to hold very well,
and can then be painted over; if you ever need to get it out, the usual blow
to the middle still collapses the plug and a bit of drift work on the epoxy
usually allows the plug to come out fairly easily.
I have seen the rubber style of plug leak and fail, so I still prefer the
metal type. The rubber ones are invaluable though if you happen to blow out a
plug where you can't get at it to bang another steel one in without pulling the
engine - the back of the block, for instance.
Bill
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