Frost plugs

[Sammy]

Summer is coming, and now the next frost plug is leaking.

Has anyone ever done these?
Which kind of plugs did you use and where to buy them?

Read a lot about "adjustable" plugs and sealants - but not sure what to use..

Sammy

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Sammy,

     The freeze out plugs can be tough to get at along both sides of the block.  It depends if an exhaust manifold/exhaust is blocking it, or even the motor mounts can cause havoc.  If you can get access to it, don't hit the top rim of the plug to get it out (it might scar the wall).  Always use a punch to slowly tap the plug at the inside (on one side) until the plug starts to lower on one side and the other side starts to rise.  At that point, grab the plug with pliers to remove.  To replace with a new one, use a deep wall socket that fits inside the plug and slowly tap it in until it lowers to the right spot.  Sand the hole before installing and use a little black sealant on the edge.  Caddy Daddy has the plugs for our cars.

Dennis DiBari     NY

[Sammy]

Thanks Dennis.

I think I bought this set some years ago:

Cadillac 331/365/390 1949-1962 Engine Camshaft Bearing Set + Freeze...

What sealant did you use?

[Dennis P. DiBari]

A Permatex black RTV sealant is usually good as a sealant for the freeze out plugs.

[Jason Edge]

Our freeze plugs were originally the concave steel type and are an odd size that can be hard to find.  'They are 1 31/64" diameter and there are, 6 in block and 2 in each cylinder head. My notes indicated Dorman 560-021, or in the set Caddy Daddy sells.
The cam plug at back of engine is 2 7/64" diameter. I remember punching out the rear cam shaft plug running a 1 1/4" PVC pipe by sliding it thru the camshaft channel and using a 5 lb hammer at front when I rebuilt my engine in 2012. I believe my machine shop removed the old block and head freeze plugs as part of their process of cleaning and honing the block. I would not have removed the freeze plug in the heads at that time.  

[Sammy]

The one that's gone bad this time is right beside steering gear, hope I can get to it. 

Bought this one some time ago
Cadillac 331/365/390 1949-1962 Engine Camshaft Bearing Set + Freeze...

But Caddy Daddy is better? 

This one?
1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 19...