What is a freeze plug used for?
Core plugs, also called freeze plugs or Welch plugs, are used to fill the sand casting core holes found on water-cooled internal combustion engines.
Where are the freeze plugs on an engine block?
If you look on the side of an engine block you will see a line of circular depressions about an inch and a half in diameter and about a quarter of an inch deep. These are actually holes in the side of the engine block which are plugged with a dish shaped metal plug called a “freeze plug” or “expansion plug”. WHAT FREEZE PLUGS DO.
How do you replace a freeze plug on a GM car?
To replace a freeze plug, first remove anything in the way, like the starter or motor mounts. Next, place a wide screwdriver blade against the edge of the freeze plug, and hit the screwdriver with a hammer. The freeze plug should twist, and you can grab it and pull it out with pliers.
Why does my freeze plug crack on my car?
In the case of the water jacket in your engine block, this is more than enough pressure to cause it to crack destroying your engine. The engine in your vehicle also has a secondary line of defense against freeze damage, freeze plugs. Freeze plugs are usually aluminum or brass plugs pressed…
What happens when water freezes in engine block?
If water freezes inside your engine block, it can expand and crack the block, destroying the motor. Freeze plugs (or expansion plugs) will “pop out” and supposedly prevent this. In reality this doesn’t work all the time: I’ve seen MANY blocks destroyed by cracking without the freeze plugs popping out, or if they do pop out the block cracks anyway.
Where are the freeze plugs on a Chevy?
Take a typical small block Chevy, there are three easy to reach plugs on the sides of the block and a couple of the front, but there are two plugs on the back of the block that you can’t reach without removing the engine, and a couple on the front that require tearing down the front of the engine.
What are engine block freeze plugs?
Freeze plugs are usually aluminum or brass plugs pressed into holes in the water jacked of your engine block. In some cases, as the water freezes and expands in your block, the freeze plugs will push out relieving the pressure of the freezing water and partially draining your cooling system.
In the case of the water jacket in your engine block, this is more than enough pressure to cause it to crack destroying your engine. The engine in your vehicle also has a secondary line of defense against freeze damage, freeze plugs. Freeze plugs are usually aluminum or brass plugs pressed…
If water freezes inside your engine block, it can expand and crack the block, destroying the motor. Freeze plugs (or expansion plugs) will “pop out” and supposedly prevent this. In reality this doesn’t work all the time: I’ve seen MANY blocks destroyed by cracking without the freeze plugs popping out, or if they do pop out the block cracks anyway.