Author Topic: 440 Freeze Plug Issue  (Read 1697 times)

Offline cv70chall

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440 Freeze Plug Issue
« on: February 13, 2017 - 02:13:09 PM »
So, came to find out- long after we had the motor on the stand to break in the cam and test it- that one of the freeze plugs is leaking...And it just happens to be the one behind the engine mount on the driver's side.
Is there any easy way to replace it?
I have the HP manifolds (which we will pull back and disconnect) to give us some room, but I also understand we may have to raise the motor a bit.

Any ideas?




Offline jason340

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2017 - 05:34:16 PM »
When you are able to get to it, removing exhaust manifold, motor mount or what ever is in the way, place the freeze plug in the freezer overnight to contract it. That will make installation easier.

Offline cudabob496

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2017 - 06:25:25 PM »
just put a little Alumaseal coolant leak stop in your engine.
I used it to stop a header bolt leak
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline PlumCrazyRTSE

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2017 - 06:55:54 PM »
Many years ago I bought a Challenger RT from an guy who had used stop leak to fix a small leak in his radiator.  Well, it did fix the radiator alright but it also sealed off about 80% of some of the smaller water passages in the heads, what a mess that was.  I wouldn't ever recommend anyone use stop leak.  On the other hand, I have used the rubber freeze plugs a couple times in situations similar to yours where I couldn't get a brass one installed.  Although I certainly wouldn't use one if I could get a metal one in, the rubber ones have held up pretty well for me.
1970 Challenger R/T SE, 440 Six Pack, Super Track Pak, FC7 Plum Crazy Purple
1970 Challenger R/T SE, 440 Six Pack, Super Track Pak, FE5 Bright Red

Offline cudabob496

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2017 - 03:49:27 AM »
sorry, but I don't believe any of the stories about stop leak blocking coolant passages.
I've used Alumaseal for 20 yrs in my Cuda with no problems.
Millions have used similar products with no problems.
What you are saying just does not happen.
If something did happen, I'm sure there are other
more serious engine problems going on at same time.
« Last Edit: February 14, 2017 - 03:52:50 AM by cudabob496 »
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline PlumCrazyRTSE

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2017 - 06:53:58 AM »
Yeah, I probably wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes but it's the reason I eventually had to pull the motor and have it rebuilt.  In fact, it's the reason the original owner sold the car to me in the first place, the engine was overheating.  I remember the guys at NAPA, they recognized exactly what the blockage was when I took the engine and heads to them to be chemically dipped.  The issue I had was 35 years ago, so maybe today's stop leak works better, and all of that blocking material goes right to your problem area and nowhere else in the engine, who knows.  However, I would still suggest trying to fix a leak the right way instead of looking for a 5 minute miracle solution with an $8 bottle of stop leak.
1970 Challenger R/T SE, 440 Six Pack, Super Track Pak, FC7 Plum Crazy Purple
1970 Challenger R/T SE, 440 Six Pack, Super Track Pak, FE5 Bright Red

Offline rUNCHARGER

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2017 - 10:42:50 AM »
If you can't pound in a new freeze plug usually a block heater can be installed instead.

Sheldon

Offline cudabob496

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2017 - 02:28:32 PM »
« Last Edit: February 14, 2017 - 04:54:28 PM by cudabob496 »
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline cudabob496

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2017 - 09:37:05 PM »
Seems stopleak products like Barsleak, that have very tiny pieces of aluminum floating
in your coolant, might also help prevent a water leak in a head gasket.
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline cv70chall

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2017 - 04:39:16 PM »
It turned out to be a small leak in the head gasket- driver's side. So, we took apart the top of the motor, and sure enough...antifreeze mixed with the oil. Head gaskets (they were originals!) were replaced and heads were upgraded to 906.
Everything is fine now...finally.

Offline cudabob496

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Re: 440 Freeze Plug Issue
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2017 - 12:47:45 AM »
cool
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000