Engine: Freeze Plug Alternatives

[GrumpyOne]

Is there any alternative to the disk type freeze plug used on the early V8 engines?

[dickeedee]

flat disc , cup style , a rubber type expansion plug, or in a jam , I've used a block heater element insert..

[PackardV8]

Is there any alternative to the disk type freeze plug used on the early V8 engines?

To better answer, why is an alternative required and what is hoped to be accomplished by using an alternative?

jack vines

[Mike Van Veghten]

Yes, a pipe plug.

You'll need to buy a pipe tap. You'll go about 1/2 way in, then you'll need to shorten the plug to finish the tapping. The shortening is required because of the cylinderwall and outer block wall being so close, the tap will not go in far enough to install the plugs far enough.

It's a bit of work...but you'll never need to worry about one leaking or falling out..!

Mike

[DEEPNHOCK]

Anything is possible.
Here are some stainless steel NPT plugs in a Stude race engine....
Jeff

[Rerun]

There are the Dorman brass expansion plugs.

[Paul Keller]

Past forums have suggested Dorman #550-022. The one removed from my '63 289 wa Dorman #565-028 - It was really a tight fit, very secure. Replaced w/ the same part number.
Paul TK

[53commander]

IMHO the early disc style works very well.

[Rerun]

One major consideration is whether the motor is in the car or not. If the motor is out, I would agree that the earlier disc types work very well. The key is being able to strike them squarely to set properly.

If the motor is installed, setting the discs properly is very difficult, so I would go with the Dorman plugs. I have used a number of them with no problems.

[GrumpyOne]

Is there any alternative to the disk type freeze plug used on the early V8 engines?

I would like to thank all those who responded and I think that in one case I will consider the Dorman option but on another engine on a stand I'll go with brass original style cups.

Again, thanks and best regards to all of you!

[Warren Webb]

Depending on what year engine you have, if it's a earlier or later full flow block makes a difference too. The later full flow blocks that use the cup type aren't so fussy to install if its in the car vs. the older, disc type which in the car, is a bear to install. I've got the rubber expansion plug(s) in my 61 Champ & would like to use the stainless steel ones that Jeff shows. At least in that truck the access is not as bad as in a car.

[SN-60]

The brass 'disc type' freeze plug is probably the best way to go.......but I'll bet You're asking the question because the inner ridge that the freeze plug seats against has deteriorated....True?

[rstrasser]

My first Studebaker in 1960 was a 1955 C3 with a 259 and OD. It came with core plugs that had a toggle on the back side that went into the block and the front side had a flange that set on the outside of the block. There was a paper gasket between the flange and the block and a nut on the outside that tightened the front part to the toggle. No leaks and Very easy to install or remove to clean the block. I have not seen any since.
Ron

[Flashback]

I would like to thank all those who responded and I think that in one case I will consider the Dorman option but on another engine on a stand I'll go with brass original style cups.

Again, thanks and best regards to all of you!

I think this is your best bet, on a street engine. One other alternative, not mentioned, is to whittle down a nice piece of oak and drive it in, LOL

[SN-60]

My first Studebaker in 1960 was a 1955 C3 with a 259 and OD. It came with core plugs that had a toggle on the back side that went into the block and the front side had a flange that set on the outside of the block. There was a paper gasket between the flange and the block and a nut on the outside that tightened the front part to the toggle. No leaks and Very easy to install or remove to clean the block. I have not seen any since.
Ron

I definitely remember these.....wonder if they're still available?