Freeze Plug popped

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72f250cs
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Freeze Plug popped

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Well everyone....with my new 72 F250 I hadn't thought to check the anti-freeze level. We got some really cold weather this week and you would guess it, she froze. the plug popped and now I am wondering what to do once it thaws out. I have not replaced one of these before and wanted to get some help. Can I replace this with the engine still in the truck? Is this a time to pull her out and really rebuild?

Any thoughts or help is appreciated.
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BobbyFord
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

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Which one is it? You can do them all in the truck, some are just harder to get to than others.
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

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BobbyFord wrote:Which one is it? You can do them all in the truck, some are just harder to get to than others.
front of the block driver side.
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

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Should be an easy one. Make sure you use brass. I also use a brush-full of Aviation Permatex around the freeze plug to aid in installation and seal any imperfections in the block.
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

Post by fordman »

check the block for cracks also. it can happen even though the plug popped out like it is suppose to do. check it anyway. visually inspect it. you may or may not be able to see a crack if it is there.
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

Post by averagef250 »

Check the block out real good. FE's like to blow the lifter valley and the rear of the block out when they freeze. I've seen quite a few broken ones and none of them had a freeze plug popped completely out, but they had usually moved.
1970 F-250 4x4 original Willock swivel frame chassis '93 5.9 Cummins/Getrag/NP205/HP60/D70
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72f250cs
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

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averagef250 wrote:Check the block out real good. FE's like to blow the lifter valley and the rear of the block out when they freeze. I've seen quite a few broken ones and none of them had a freeze plug popped completely out, but they had usually moved.

Thanks...I think I have decided to go ahead and pull the engine and tranny this winter and do a nice build up on her. Any suggestions for a go fast 390?
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

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BobbyFord wrote:Which one is it? You can do them all in the truck, some are just harder to get to than others.
Hey there, I wanted to get back to you. The motor motor mount is in the way to replace the freeze plug. My neighbor said to remove the motor mount while supporting the motor and replace the plug. Is this a good idea? And if it is how much of the motor mount will I need to dis-assemle?
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Re: Freeze Plug popped

Post by BobbyFord »

Just pull the mount off of the block. Do not rely on the jack to hold the engine up, put a block of wood under the engine or a jack stand under the harmonic balancer. You may want to unbolt the fan shroud and hang it on the fan for added clearance and to avoid damaging the shroud. Put a brushful of Permatex Aviation sealer around the edge of the brass freeze plug prior it installation.
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