spitfires
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: freeze plug saga

To: "Bill Miller" <millerb@ivwnet.com>,
Subject: Re: freeze plug saga
From: "Dave G." <kimkell@decaturnet.com>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 05:36:40 -0500
Bill,the shop that ground my head replaced the freezeplugs with what looks
like brass ones. I can find out where he got them if you want.
        Dave
 PS I have two brand new ones from VB that you can have...FREE
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Miller" <millerb@ivwnet.com>
To: "Spitfires" <spitfires@autox.team.net>; "Triumphs"
<triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2002 11:42 AM
Subject: freeze plug saga


> Ok listers, help me out here.  I don't understand what just happened.  I
> have a '66 Spitfire MK2 with 1147
>
> My first drive on the newly rebuilt head.
>
> Machine shop welded up several cracks, flattened it, and ceramic coated
it.
> This was a very good machine shop that does work for even some of the race
> teams here.  I trust their reputation.
>
> I put an hour or so in the garage of run time prior to driving it (it has
> been non stop raining in Indiana for a month)  Today, no rain, so I drove
to
> the gas station and around town for about an hour.
>
> Heading home, I was pushing it a little hard - 4500rpm, about 75mph  -
all
> the sudden - *poof* white smoke pouring out back.  Then out the shifter
> boot.  Definitely just antifreeze.  Since I was very close, I drove it
home.
>
> When I got back lifted the bonnet, I slow topped off the radiator (mostly
> empty) and noticed steam and antifreeze pour out the rear of the head.  I
> blew out a freeze plug.  The big one closest to the firewall.  How do you
> blow out a freeze plug?
> This thing is not rusty, it looks like new (except for the paint on the
> outside)  Would a machine shop replace freeze plugs when working on a
head?
> I am *hoping* they did and possibly put one in that was slightly too
small.
> It is stamped on the back 1-47/64
>
> What do I do?  Put in a new freeze plug and hope for the best?  Replace
all
> the freeze plugs?  Pull the head and have it checked again?  I was
planning
> on driving this to the Mid-Ohio event in June, but am now having serious
> thoughts about going. It would be a 250+ mile drive and 5-6 hours.
>
> What in the world could cause this to happen?
>
> Thanks,
> A frustrated Bill in Indiana

///  spitfires@autox.team.net mailing list
///  or try  http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool
///  Archives at http://www.team.net/archive


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>