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Freeze plugs popped
Well I went to summerize my engine and I found four freeze plugs in the bilge.
Couple of questions, does that necessarily mean that I had a freezing problem? I drained the block just like every other time, don't use anti-freeze, but I guess I need to start. We did have some unusual cold weather in TX this winter. Can I use the same plugs or need new ones? How do I install them? thanx |
You may want to pull the engine. If the ones on the side pushed out its a good chance the ones in the rear of the block also came out.
To install new ones the holes should be cleaned,,a socket that fits tight as possible will work.I have a aluminum plug that fits inside and drives the shoulder. Use a good sealer. DONT REUSE and make sure there brass or SS> I would also pressure test the complete package sounds like you still had some water in the block.I have never seen freeze plugs push out without other problems.You might get lucky but a little time will save plenty $$$ and pain done the road!!! Good luck . I use a electric heater in the really cold periods,some use light bulbs but to much trust in a bulb going out for me. |
unfortunately I store my boat in a boat yard with no electrical access.
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I have had dozens of engines come through the shop with popped freeze plugs.
ONE had only popped the freeze plug and not cracked the block as well wish you the best,,,, but be prepared |
Originally Posted by bert4332
(Post 3079101)
Well I went to summerize my engine and I found four freeze plugs in the bilge.
Couple of questions, does that necessarily mean that I had a freezing problem? I drained the block just like every other time, don't use anti-freeze, but I guess I need to start. We did have some unusual cold weather in TX this winter. Can I use the same plugs or need new ones? How do I install them? thanx |
Originally Posted by PSlonaker
(Post 3079151)
We did have some seriously cold weather in January...much worse than normal. I am helping a friend with the same issue. Not to piss on your parade, but he lost both exhaust manifolds, both heads and a big crack just above the lifters on the port side. I saw the exhaust manifolds cracked and checked the oil. There was water in there and I told him to get ready to sit down and cry. The cold snap of 9* here killed the whole motor. He has a useful oil pan, intake and carb...thats all that is left. Good luck.
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Well at least I wont be the only one, no one I know of uses anti-freeze here to winterize, just draining.
The rear plugs are in tack, if that is a hopeful sign. So how do you if you have ALL the water out of the block? |
The rear plugs are in tack, if that is a hopeful sign. So how do you if you have ALL the water out of the block?[/B][/QUOTE]
Sure makes a gallon of antifreeze look really cheap !!!! Good luck. |
Why do they even put freeze plugs in if they don't save anything? Sorry.....but this sounds bad. Time to re-power!
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I hate to say it but it might not be to good for that block.
I would guess if your freeze plugs popped your oil cooler and seawater pump did to. A long time ago I went down that ugly road. |
Originally Posted by PhantomChaos
(Post 3079187)
Why do they even put freeze plugs in if they don't save anything? Sorry.....but this sounds bad. Time to re-power!
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Originally Posted by PhantomChaos
(Post 3079187)
Why do they even put freeze plugs in if they don't save anything? Sorry.....but this sounds bad. Time to re-power!
( used in the block casting process) I've never ran across one that had one pop out that didn't have a cracked block. |
So what is the next step, put new brass plugs in and fire it up and see if there is water spraying all over??
No point upgrading power in that hull. The hull isn't speed efficient, it does everything real good, not great, putting in bigger power will not yield a whole lot of top end. I can buy a gen VI long block for $500 and just swap my magnum parts. But I need this like a hole in the head right now. Damn I just purchased a new Hydromotive Quad IV too. :angry-smiley-055: |
nt
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Originally Posted by Jeff P31
(Post 3079197)
How do you think they make the blocks . With out the freeze plug holes they would have to make the block solid .
Unfortunatly I have to agree with the others, have the block checked, i lost a 383 stroker motor the same way it was brand new in my truck w/ antifreeze but i couldn't get it running right and enough to circulate it, and then the cold set in :( |
When you remove the block drains you have to put a piece of wire in the hole and move it around. This clears it out so all of the water drains. If you do this you will get all of the water out, leaving nothing to freeze. Then all the anti freeze is used for is the anti rust protection. I've taken many drain plugs out and no water came out, you must clear the drain hole or you're leaving water in the block.
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[QUOTE=bert4332;3079210]So what is the next step, put new brass plugs in and fire it up and see if there is water spraying all over??
If its cracked internal you will not see it spraying. If you don't get it pressure tested then start it up and pray your oil does not turn to a milkshake color. Should be a four bolt main block in case you need to look for one. Good Luck |
If you just want to hope for the best and fire it up they make rubber freeze plugs at NAPA and similiar that you could get and just put in to try. I am not sure how tight your bilge is but there is no way I could get freeze plugs into any of my boats with out pulling the motor unless I used the rubber napa ones.
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Originally Posted by bert4332
(Post 3079101)
I drained the block just like every other time, don't use anti-freeze, but I guess I need to start.
Sounds like you must not have drained block all of the way |
It is unfortunate that freeze plugs have come to be thought of as a measure of protection against block damage. I guess aside from the real reason they are there, they let you know you are screwed before you run the boat and tear up everything else inside the motor. :(
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yep your ****ed... sorry
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I cant get enough torque to punch them in, not enough space, stringer is getting in the way. My drive is has been off the boat for a while. So I'm about to pull it, the slalom shop in Lewisville is letting me use there puller for a case of beer, once again. So I'm going to pull it, inspect, pop in the new plugs and put it right back in. The mechanic said he has seen 4 blocks this year with popped plugs and they were all ok. So I'm hoping for the best.
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Originally Posted by bert4332
(Post 3079512)
I cant get enough torque to punch them in, not enough space, stringer is getting in the way. My drive is has been off the boat for a while. So I'm about to pull it, the slalom shop in Lewisville is letting me use there puller for a case of beer, once again. So I'm going to pull it, inspect, pop in the new plugs and put it right back in. The mechanic said he has seen 4 blocks this year with popped plugs and they were all ok. So I'm hoping for the best.
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If you didn't pull the bell housing and flywheel you havnt checked the rear plugs there behind the flywheel. I would pressurize with air and install a gauge to see if your losing pressure. If your pulling it out drop the pan pull the plugs put water pressure no more than 25lbs and you will not be guessing. Your friend needs to go to the casino 4 blocks with blown plugs with nothing else cracked wow!!
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Now I'm about to start shooting!!!!
Pulled the damn engine, didn't think to pull the fly wheel (needed that info at 2:00pm) installed the other plugs, inspected everything I could. Dropped it back in and hooked everything back up. Ok, looks like Saturday will be a repeat of today, how do I fill the block with water? I'm assuming there is no other way to determine if the plugs dropped in the rear other than pulling it again and removing the bell housing and flywheel? Why do I need to fill the block with water with the engine out? Wouldn't I be able to tell if the rear plugs are out if I fill it regardless if it's in or out? I really do like learning all this and I'm graduating from the school of hard knocks! thanx |
i went thru this 20+ years ago... so i will share my experience.. the engine looked fine... no leaks at all.. in-till the boat was in the water and water pressure built.. it was leaking inside the engine along the lifter galley.. turned the oil to milk... so im afraid your approach of just poring water in & looking for leaks may not work...
anyway good luck |
Originally Posted by bert4332
(Post 3079791)
Now I'm about to start shooting!!!!
Pulled the damn engine, didn't think to pull the fly wheel (needed that info at 2:00pm) installed the other plugs, inspected everything I could. Dropped it back in and hooked everything back up. Ok, looks like Saturday will be a repeat of today, how do I fill the block with water? I'm assuming there is no other way to determine if the plugs dropped in the rear other than pulling it again and removing the bell housing and flywheel? Why do I need to fill the block with water with the engine out? Wouldn't I be able to tell if the rear plugs are out if I fill it regardless if it's in or out? I really do like learning all this and I'm graduating from the school of hard knocks! thanx |
I'm dodging bullets out of a machine gun so far.
Rear plugs intact. No leaks Put drive back on and backed it down the ramp, started motor, no water from "the block" however I did have leak in silent choice where the downward vent meets the thick rubber sleeve. I guess I didn't seat it correctly. Then I went to check the oil, I really had to bend the dip stick out of the way in order to install the freeze plug, now once I pulled it, I can't get the stick back in the last three inches. Not sure about a minor leak yet perhaps I didn't let enough pressure build up, only had it running about 5 min, at least I know there is no water pouring out somewhere. So tomorrow will be correcting both those problems and re-evaluating. |
Welcome to our world up here in the tundra--I always stick a small screwdriver up the plug holes and ALWAYS a lot more water comes out---good luck--Steve
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Put her in the water for about 15 minutes, NOT A DRIP ANYWHERE!!!!
:evilb::drink::drink::drink::drink::drink::evilb:: |
now go to sneaky pete for a cold one:evilb:
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I don't have a prop right now, I bought a hydromotive it won't be here till Friday. I would taken the boat right over there if I had the prop, but I am definitely celebrating tonight! Still can't believe I dodge that bullet!!:food-smiley-009:
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What about the oil? Did the same thing about ten years ago and no leaks but milked the oil and pushed it out the dipstick.
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i hope all is well,if you come out of this with no cracked block or heads,you need to go to the closest casino and bet big,because you are a lucky man.i have seen plugs pop out and no damage,hope this is the case for you.next year,just for the hell of it,remove the thermostat and dump in 2 gallons of antifreeze after you drain the block.:coolcowboy:
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Oil is clean, checked it every 3 minutes while the boat was running. I do feel very fortunate, luck usually does NOT go my way.
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man you are lucky
a buddy of mine last year lost the freeze plugs and put them back in and we ran it on a hose and all was fine until we put it in the water and then it showed up in the oil -guess what new motor cracks in the block good luck |
Got the new Hydromotive, the boat is running awesome, now looking at exhaust to up grade next. My hull is not overly responsive to upgrades, I know it's never going to be a speed demon, it's more of a learning experience for me.
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