SBC 350 - freeze plugs - HELP!

[Michael Slade]

Ok, so I totally screwed up and now I have some choices to make.

I am looking for advice as to what to do now that my freeze plugs have popped out and/or are leaking. Can I just get new ones and put them back in? Is it that straightforward? Should I put in a block heater where one of the plugs would be or should I use a radiator hose heater?

I really don't have a lot of time to deal with this right now, and am planning to drive the truck on a trip on Dec. 20th. I'm strongly considering taking it to the local garage and having them do it.

 

[HenryJ]

As long as the block did not crack, it is as simple as replacing them. Some times on a hard freeze even the plugs popping is not enough to prevent damaging the water jackets.

Given a choice , I prefer the freeze plug heaters. They seem to do a pretty good job of warming the coolant and have been less prone to leakage. I have had problems keeping the hose from leaking on the hose mounted models.

Having a shop install the new plugs may be a good idea. If they are in hard to reach places they can be a real "bugger" to install. The shop will know the tricks for a tight spot. Dunking them in liquid nitrogen and setting them into a warm block is one.
Spend the extra for new brass cups. They do a better job resisting corrosion.

 

[Michael Slade]

Define "Hard Freeze" for me...then I'll know if I should start to cry or not.

 

[lstzephyr]

as far as I understand it "hard freeze" would be when the block/heads crack because the freeze is to much of a "run away" for the freeze plugs to save your block.

I'd change the coolant in that thing, put new plugs in and watch the oil to make sure its not turning milky. Keep an eye on the coolant level for awhile too.