Larry,
The freeze plugs on your engine are flat steel disks set into a counter bored hole. They do not push thru and twist like some other brands. They need to be pulled out. You might be able to drill a 1/4 inch hole, install a bolt, and twist it out. I used a 3/8 chisel, at an angle, to make a hole in the center and a flat bladed screwdriver to pry it out.
To install, the hole should be free of rust, water, antifreeze, and oil. Use a sealant like RTV gasket sealer. New disks are domed, with the high center facing out. Install them with a socket that fits inside the block hole and drive it down to the bottom of the counter bore. Then hit it in the center to pop the dome inwards. This sets the plug with pressure gripping the wall of the counter bore. If you were concerned about longevity, I have heard painting the back side with POR 15 and installing it with wet POR 15 as a sealer works well.
I got mine at NAPA, but that was decades ago. Probably the same as a 318.
The greatest difficulty is room to work with the engine in the car. I did one on my 56 Olds in the car once. As luck would have it, the plug was behind the starter. With the starter out, I had plenty of working room.
Also check the head gasket above the leak area.
Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500
-----------------------------------------
From: "Larry Ashbaugh" <
000003991ab8a71e-dmarc-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To:
Cc:
Sent: 10-Jun-2017 09:16:06 +0000
Subject: [FWDLK] 325 Engine Freeze Plugs
It appears that I have a leak form either the right (passenger) side of the engine or the rear. Assume it is a freeze plug that has rusted through. Will try to crawl under it tomorrow and check if I can see the problem.
How difficult is it to replace the side or rear freeze plugs, and are they available or the same as other Mopar small-block freeze plugs?
I am trying to get one of my 57 Coronets ready to sell as health concerns (upcoming surgeries) will require that I "thin the herd". My 57 D500 will be next, along with the 58 Coronet, a 73 Charger and some others. Hope to keep the 59 Coronet if possible.
Best laid plans sometimes go astray in the blink of an eye.
Larry (Akron)
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