Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

[BDM Boating]

I have a 1997 Mercruiser 5.7 with a Freeze plug that poped out because I am stupid and didn't stick a wire in the drain hole. The plug is located directly over the engine mount on the front of the engine. I need to raise the engine about an inch to insert a new plug. What would I need to remove other thatn the two mounting brakets on the front to lift the engine?

I hope that the block did not crack internally but I need to get the new plug in to verify.

Or does anyone have an idea on what type of tool I could use to insert a new brass plug. It will slide in the space and will give me the room to fit something the size of a flat head under the plug.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

you'd need to pull the drive if your thinking about moving that motor even 1/8th of an inch.

 

[meesh]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

years ago we used to use rubber expandable plugs much like a plumbing plug. You put them in and tighten the nut. They were ONLY EVER INTENDED to be temporary for EMERGENCY ONLY and I have not seen them in a long time. If you can find one you can get it running without much labor and see if you got lucky. Unfotunatly if you pushed a plug out from freezing I think your going to find water in your oil when you do get it running. Hope it turns out OK for you.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

The rubber plugs are still available, just getting harder to find. It would be a perfect solution here. Plug the hole, then you can test block integrity before doing any hard work.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

you can get the rubber plugs at napa.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

Looks like they just got easier to find.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

funny... I still have three of them in different sizes in my "road trip" tool box... good call - perfect solution here...

 

[BDM Boating]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

Thanks guys. Yes I had already purchased the rubber plug with brass fittings along with the standard brass plug that should go in the hole. The issue I am having is that the plug poped out directly under the engine mounting. So the the rubber plug is a little to tall to slide between the mount and the engine. This is what spurred the question about raising the engine slightly so that I could slide the rubber stopper in.

I can slide the new brass plug in but would need a tool that is curved on the end (Like a long screw driver with a 45 degree angle on the tip) to tap it in.

 

[mkast]

Re: Raising an engine to insert a new freeze plug

Use two 2x4's across the gunwales.
Attach a chain hoist, lift until engine weight is off the engine mount.
Remove engine mount, install core plug.