How do you install freeze plugs?
 

The Machine shop forgot to install the big freeze plug in the back that the cam rides against. (I know I know, trust me I'm never going back) Anyways, I have a set of freeze plugs and I'm going to try and install that one. How do I do that? Just hammer it in? I have no idea.

just tap it lightly to get it started square, then take a round object like a socket that just fits in and bottom it out. I always put a bead of silicone around it for insurance. Dont forget to use brass...not steel plugs.

Thanks! It's the big one behind the cam so it will be steel. The rest are brass.

I would not recommend using silicone on freeze out plugs or that cam plug. I always like to use brown aviation glue.

Where do I get Aviation glue? Will anything else work?

Loctite #5923

Buy the way the cam does not ride against the plug so do not tap it in to deep. If it rubs you will have trouble. Hope that is the only plug your builder left out. :rolleyes:

Most auto parts stores carry it. Permatex makes it.

Drive the plugs in until the outer edge is flush with the block, no more, no less.

This is crucial! Follow these instructions. The plug you are going to install is not a freeze out plug, so the depth of this steel plug has consequences. If you are not comfortable in doing the job, then have someone with experience help you.
Good luck
Ed

Thanks guys! I have not done it yet, I'm going to have to wait until next weekend. I'll hammer it in with a 2X4 so there is no possibility of driving it in too deep.

What would I do with OSO?

And yes, I have examined the block very carefully,. It is the only thing that was left out (I hope :) ).

I am getting ready to do the same thing. I have a Dart Big M block and there is a generous step in the block which would appear to be for the plug to bottom out on. The cam is probably .100" from this step when it is all the way pushed back. So should I drive it onto the step bottomed out or just leave it flush to the block? Is the consensus that some aviation sealer can be used on the plug before installation or just put on externally after it is installed? For the record my motor was purchased as an unassembled kit. On most kits like this the rear cam tunnel plug is left out to help in setting cam end play. I will say it would have been harder to set the end play with that plug in.;) Thanks for the advice.

Craig

Not to be an alarmist, But......
If the shop let it go with that plug missing, what else did they leave out?? Maybe nothing, but now is the time to check. I would give the engine a thorough once over...Twice! I say this because I made an assumption that everything was all right after finding, and fixing a "Minor" problem on an engine. I assumed that was the only thing the builder missed. Needless to say, I swung the engine twice! Always nice to be sure.:)

In my case the cam tunnel plug was intentionally left out for ease setting cam end play.:) I built the motor and now need to put it in. If I were to forget to put it in that would not be good!!:p