freeze out plug replacement

[Jocigar]

Hey guys, I've been running the 70- 318 on and off for a few days.   I added some miracle oil in the tank and block just to get things loose again.   

I notice the radiator fluid was down and yesterday found a water drip below the driver side exhaust manifold, dripping just in front of the starter.   I couldnt get under it to see, but i think it must be a freeze out plug. 

I have never changed one, are they difficult?

Is it possible that is spared the block from cracking? fingers crossed!

[Strawdawg]

is it possible that the leak was dripping down from the exhaust manifold stud across that area?

[Jocigar]

I am not sure, I need to drive it up on ramps.   Just got it to move yesterday after breaking loose the rear drums.   Stock manifolds, with galvinized exhaust held up very well over 20 years... I don't hear any leaks from the manifolds.     I will have a closer look soon.   

I could kick my own a@@ for leaving it out so many years 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It would be an easy fix if it were an exhaust manifold bolt. Just take the bolt out and put thread sealer on it, and re-install. Be forewarned you will have a big flow of coolant once you tale the bolt out. 

[72rtchallenger]

if its original the last bolt in the manifold could be a stud not a bolt,which is more difficult to remove but rarely leak,,if it is a bolt do as suggested and seal it,,if its a freeze plug its not real bad,,but is a tight spot with the motor in place,,but at least its not the one on the rear of the motor in front of the tranny,,but if has set very(winters) long keep those fingers crossed as a cracked block would suck,hope its not 

[footin70rt]

It could be a freeze plug that rusted through being as it sat for so many years, but if one rusted through you may have more ready to go. Still that would be better that a cracked block.

[jimynick]

To change the frost plug, take a long, stout screwdriver and setting the blade on the inside edge of the plug anywheres, give it a good crack with a decent sized clouter. It should flip sideways and you can pull it out with a pair of pliers. Clean the hole, smear a wee bit of thread sealant on the new plug and set it in the hole as squarely as you can. Take the deep socket that fills the inner cavity of the plug and you can put an extension on it or if room allows, just use the clouter to drive it in. DON'T  get crazy with the driving or you'll knock it clean through. Flush will do nicely and brass won't rot like those swine steel ones do. Have fun!

[Jocigar]

thanks all for the great info...     I'll report back soon.

What a great community, loven this place!