Everything you read says to use sealer when installing freeze plugs, what sealer do you use??? I've always just installed them dry???
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.
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...
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
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.
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. What are they called? Real mechanics don't argue about the small shit.
I have installed probably 5,000 (not an exaggeration!!!) and have always put a light coating of silicone on them/
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".
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!
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.
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. 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