Freeze plug out

[jboozer66]

When putting my boat away short term (1 month), i forgot to remove one of the five drain plugs on my 4.3L Mercruiser. Temps dipped and stayed around freezing for a few days and the freeze plug on the side of the block which still had the drain plug in popped out. I noticed it today as i was putting the boat in for a quick ride to knock the dust off the motor. The motor ran fine, no milk in the oil or anything. Somebody please tell me that the freeze plug popping out is probably the worst of it. Is it likely that my block could be cracked?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freeze plug out

Well.....Maybe,just maybe you dodged a big bullet.
If so it's time to get a lottery ticket!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Freeze plug out

Ayuh,... You mighta got Lucky,... Drive it back in,+ see...

 

[jboozer66]

Re: Freeze plug out

Ayuh,... You mighta got Lucky,... Drive it back in,+ see...

I hope so.... I've got to get the freeze plug back in first though. Any pointers other than being mindful of bolt torque and sequence when putting the exhaust manifolds back on? I'll have to remove the motor mount to get the plug back in.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Freeze plug out

You need a new brass freeze plug and some sealer. If possible, put an expandable rubber one in there to test the engine before you go to all the trouble and expense and R&Ring the exhaust manifold. If the engine has no signs of a cracked block, swap the rubber plug for a proper brass one and toss the rubber on in your tool box in case you ever need it on the water. It's likely a 1 5/8"

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freeze plug out

Yep,Napa has the rubber plugs...i would go that route first and run it and see.
You may be pulling the motor anyway.Hopefully not.....

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Freeze plug out

You need a new brass freeze plug and some sealer. If possible, put an expandable rubber one in there to test the engine before you go to all the trouble and expense and R&Ring the exhaust manifold. If the engine has no signs of a cracked block, swap the rubber plug for a proper brass one and toss the rubber on in your tool box in case you ever need it on the water. It's likely a 1 5/8"

Agreed...


You need to put a temp freeze plug in to allow the cooling system to pressurize to make absolutely sure you don't have a cracked block. While you are runnnig it with the new freeze plug in, constantly keep checking that oil for a milk shake. I wish you luck...

 

[jboozer66]

Re: Freeze plug out

Thanks for the advice guys! Good idea on the temp plug, i'll try that first. Also, thanks for the heads up on the manual section!