Freeze Plugs

[ares360]

I am taking apart the old engine and am going to replace gaskets, plugs, etc.

What is the best material to use: brass, steel, or rubber? or something else I do not know of? I am looking on autozone.

[Dragon]

Brass resist corrosion better. Rubber freeze plugs I only use in an emergency until I can pull the engine and do it right. FEs use 49/64ths freeze plugs not the 48/64-3/4 plug they try and sell for them.

[ares360]

they do sell 49/64 at autozone but the brass is 18$. and once again O'reilly is useless (as usual) about giving a proper description of something so they have 19 different one's but you don't know what they are made of....

[Dragon]

they do sell 49/64 at autozone but the brass is 18$. and once again O'reilly is useless (as usual) about giving a proper description of something so they have 19 different one's but you don't know what they are made of....

O'Reilly just bought Checker and Checker got their 49/64s from Dormans. My 360 had steel ones and boy did they all rust out at about the same time, 10 years too soon.

[ares360]

dragon,

you have any idea what the brass one's from o'reilly costs?

[Dragon]

21.99
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... 22&PTSet=A
13.99
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... 22&PTSet=A

There you go.

[ares360]

thanks.

[Dragon]

No Problem

[Hawkrod]

Be aware that most brass core plugs are brass plated not solid brass. Good ones are brass but brands like Pioneer are simply lying to us. Take a magnet and check them and you will find almost all of the off brand brass ones are really plated steel. Hawkrod

[fordman]

isn't that false advertizing on thier part?

[BobbyFord]

I always brush a bead of Avaition Permatex (brown gunk in brush-capped bottle) on the band of the brass freeze plug prior to installation. It aids in installation as a lube and seals imperfections in the freeze plug bores.

[Dragon]

That is a great idea and us Ford Techs did it that way. Fords manual says use a oil resistant sealer for the cam plug but we got in the habit of using Permatex on every expansion plug.

[JEF199]

Be careful I use brass plugs in marine engins because of salt water. But after 17 years I would say that 9 out of 10 blocks will bust before the plug pops!!

[ares360]

I will take a magnet with me when I go to the parts store...