Easiest way to remove frost plugs

Nicad

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In the past I think I used a slide hammer and drilled a hole, but I don't want the chips falling down the block and my motor is still in the car so the slide hammer will be difficult. Anyone have a favourite DIY method?

Tia.
 

Luis A.

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Bob I did mine by using a punch large enough that it didn't puncture but it sufficiently rotated it such that I could grab it with vise grip pliers and rotate it back and forth a bit until it slides out.
 

Nicad

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That is what I'll do. Thanks Luis. What type of sealant did you use with the new plug?
 

HB Chris

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I punched a hole in mine and stuck a large bolt in it and used a large socket with a fender washer and tightened the nut to pull it out. It's tough doing under the manifold. I think you can knock it askew and pull it out as Luis suggests. Don't worry, it can't fall into the block.
 

Nicad

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hi i can not help cause i do not know what are you talking about:o

The Freeze plugs are the circular metal pieces that keep the coolant in the block and pop out if the coolant freezes. There are quite a few on an M30 Block.
 

deQuincey

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Bob I did mine by using a punch large enough that it didn't puncture but it sufficiently rotated it such that I could grab it with vise grip pliers and rotate it back and forth a bit until it slides out.

+1
this is the right way
hit them a little latteral, not in the center, and they will rotate as luis says
 

Mike Goble

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hi i can not help cause i do not know what are you talking about:o

They are often called freeze plugs, Welch plugs or core plugs. The holes in the block are a result of the sand casting core supports, and these holes are machined to accept the plug. Early engines used a threaded pipe plug, but then the Welch Brothers developed the common press-in version.
These plugs may or may not pop out when the coolant freezes.
 

rsporsche

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if coolant freezes ... more likely water ... if it freezes, its usually in the radiator before the block. but i guess up in the permafrost area where NICAD lives - the block could freeze too. won't happen here in atlanta
 
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