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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 90
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Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
Just removed a bad metal one from '68 327 and wondered if I could use one of the rubber expansion plugs in its place. The kind that has the nut in the center that expands as you compress it. Anyone had good luck with this? Y'all have been great with the advice as I've been slowly moving along!
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Topeka,KS
Posts: 778
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
I tried one once and blew it out. I might not have got it tight enough though.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 90
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
Thanks. I know they are 1 5/8" so I got the plug that expands up to that. The next size starts at 1 5/8 and goes up to 1 3/4. I guess I can try them both. Any thoughts appreciated.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Posts: 285
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
i guess i have never used the rubber ones but i have put plenty of block heaters in before they work the same way and they stay in, (i wonder if a person can loctite the bolt to help keep them tight?)
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,Clint LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES ![]() 69 C-10 short stepside 406 sbc, 02 YAMAHA WR250F, 07 SUZUKI SV650S, 81 Grand Prix 355 sbc, 81 XT 500 YAMAHA |
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA
Posts: 4,618
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
They work well. Several of them in my 67 Cougar right now. Just make sure they are all the way in before you tighten them down.
Used them for years.
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2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6 |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 90
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
Hey Fine69! Did you put any silicone on 'em? I like the locktite idea.
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#7 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
I had opposite results. Mine always popped out.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#8 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
while the comparison to block heaters holds water(no pun intended) I have had to replace several of the rubber ones over the years turning wrenches... probably 3 or 4 a year.
Why don't you want to install a new steel one... or better yet, brass? What ever you do, if it rusted out, there's probably gobs of rusty sludge in there, try to get as much of it out. |
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#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lewisville, Nc
Posts: 10,234
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
i agree i pulled one out of a 402 that we are rebuilding in class and it was rough why no take the time to flush the block and install a new steel plug i use red locktite on my plugs always worked well
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David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Dallas,TX.
Posts: 499
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
bought an 87 ram charger in 93 that had a bad freeze plug. I replaced the freeze plug with an expanding rubber one, my dad laughed said it wouldnt work well it sorta didnt I had to replace the freeze plug 3 years ago so eleven years was the limit. for mine.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Clanton, AL
Posts: 1,253
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
Been there, done that. I made it super tight when I put it in. It held for 3 years.
They are good in pinch, but I'd definately recommend metal.
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Chula Vista, California
Posts: 495
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
In my opinion, the rubber expansion plugs are fine to carry in your toolbox in case you blow a freeze plug on the road. They will definately get you home where you can replace it with a metal one. Let me share a trick I learned from a retired mechanic when installing metal freeze plugs. Coat the outside of the plug with aluminized spray paint. The wet paint will lubricate the plug to help drive it in easier and after the paint dries it will act as a sealer and rust inhibiter.
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rwgregory 67 GMC 2500 ,2w/d wide box 305 V-6, 4-speed |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 7,893
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Re: Anyone used rubber plugs in place of metal freeze plugs?
ill have to remember that
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-steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME |
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