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freeze plugs and sealer???

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Dan, Mar 11, 2010.

  1. Dan
    Joined: Mar 13, 2001
    Posts: 2,384

    Dan
    Member

    Everything you read says to use sealer when installing freeze plugs, what sealer do you use??? I've always just installed them dry???
     
  2. Dreddybear
    Joined: Mar 31, 2007
    Posts: 6,084

    Dreddybear
    Member

    Indian Head. two bucks at any parts store, its a molasses brownish black :)
     
  3. I've never used sealer. Never had one leak. I guess it couldn't hurt though.
     
  4. call some local engine builders and go with their answers. i have seen blocks that were cracked in freeze plug area because they were installed using permatex. i use silicone and haven't had any issues.
     

  5. Jims35
    Joined: Dec 22, 2009
    Posts: 279

    Jims35
    Member

    Never use sealer , never had one leak . Just make sure they are the correct ones and not undersize.
     
  6. el Scotto
    Joined: Mar 3, 2004
    Posts: 4,698

    el Scotto
    Member
    from Tracy, CA

    I'm with the "nothing on the freezeplug when I install them" crowd... probably couldn't hurt 'em, but I've never done it before and never had a problem...
     
    49 olds likes this.
  7. Country Gent
    Joined: Feb 22, 2010
    Posts: 562

    Country Gent
    BANNED

    Permatex NON-HARDNING. Old reliable. Never had a problem. Helps them install a little easier.
     
  8. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    That's what I have used for 45 years and never had a problem.
     
  9. Indian Head or the Permatex product mentioned here are both fine. I'll use whatever one I find first, just count myself lucky to find anything in my garage.

    Bob
     
    Sturges likes this.
  10. RopeSeals???
    Joined: Jul 2, 2007
    Posts: 444

    RopeSeals???
    Member

    Aviation Permatex
     
  11. DerKafer
    Joined: Mar 27, 2006
    Posts: 55

    DerKafer
    Member
    from San Diego

    Another vote for doing it dry.
     
  12. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,294

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER



    Me, too.

    ......and they're NOT "freeze plugs" for the 5,486,905th time. They're "CORE PLUGS", used to fill the holes used during the casting process. That's all they were designed to do - they were not meant to pop out and prevent the block from cracking because somebody forgot to add antifreeze. I've seen cracked blocks with popped out core plugs and the plugs didn't save those blocks.
     
  13. Dry or a little Gasgacinch.
     
  14. Dino
    Joined: Oct 22, 2002
    Posts: 225

    Dino
    Member

    I use brass plugs and The Right Stuff.
     
  15. 29nash
    Joined: Nov 6, 2008
    Posts: 4,544

    29nash
    BANNED
    from colorado

    I have used a dab of paint in the distant past when installing a welch/freeze plug. Since somebody invented loctite and it's more readily available in my tool box thats what I use. A good friend of mine don't use anything, just spits on them and drives them.:D

    What are they called? Real mechanics don't argue about the small shit.
     
    briggs&strattonChev likes this.
  16. rjaustin421
    Joined: May 1, 2009
    Posts: 337

    rjaustin421
    Member

    I have installed probably 5,000 (not an exaggeration!!!) and have always put a light coating of silicone on them/
     
  17. gtnrkix
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 709

    gtnrkix
    Member

    I like it dry!
     
  18. ponchopowerd
    Joined: Feb 20, 2010
    Posts: 172

    ponchopowerd
    Member

    leve it dry or if u ant to use a sealer ive used gray rtv
     
  19. johnnie
    Joined: Jan 7, 2009
    Posts: 493

    johnnie
    Member
    from indiana

    Been using loctite ever since I was taught to do it at a engine re-builder company. Never put anything on them before and never had a problem. I would call using it "insurance".
     
  20. GARY T.
    Joined: Mar 23, 2008
    Posts: 1,985

    GARY T.
    Member
    from S.W. Pa

    Use brass ones--NAPA has them--if not boat shop---don't need any sealer
     
  21. Hackerbilt
    Joined: Aug 13, 2001
    Posts: 6,254

    Hackerbilt
    Member

    I've always put a dab of paint on them.
    Not spray bomb, but right out of the quart can.
    A bit of paint will also protect them a little longer from rust, so its all good!
     
  22. Pooch
    Joined: Apr 11, 2006
    Posts: 867

    Pooch
    Member
    from Oklahoma

    Dry...never had a problem.
     
  23. Domino
    Joined: Jul 2, 2009
    Posts: 529

    Domino
    Member

    I have installed them both ways and never had a problem. Lately I use the gasket shellac that smells horrible. I do always use the brass plugs when I can find them.
     
  24. 56oldsDarrin
    Joined: May 9, 2009
    Posts: 396

    56oldsDarrin
    Member

    that purple stringy stiff that comes in the little round can...that stuff.
     
  25. 57JoeFoMoPar
    Joined: Sep 14, 2004
    Posts: 6,138

    57JoeFoMoPar
    Member

    Add another one. It would probably be fine for me dry, but for $2 why take the chance?
     
  26. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,757

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    [​IMG]

    I guess it all depends on what you are working on. This is a Studebaker that takes the domed washer like kind. Yeah I wire brushed 'em but the sealing surface still wasn't perfect. I used silicone for the imperfections. Unless it's a macho thing I don't see why a little sealer is a bad idea. It's like insurance to me. I'm a wuss I use sealer.:D I had one pop out when I first got it running. I wasn't sure how much hammering was required to expand the disk. I put it back in and and gave it a good whack. The rest worked fine. I hate seeing an engine with "blue goo" all over it but in moderation I see nothing wrong with it. JMHO
     
  27. Medium strength Loctite >>>>.
     

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