Surface Prep Info

[D.J.]

Could anyone advise me what the surface prep is for installing freeze (expansion) plugs in a 1988 2.9 L V-6? Engine and transmission is pulled. Twisted off 1 exhaust bolt in each manifold (inboard ones) where Y pipe hooks up. Then when attempting to remove exhaust manifolds to drill out these 11 of 12 of those bolts twisted off in the heads. So now I get to see how much fun I can have removing these. I'm going to attempt to bring home the service truck from work tommorrow so I can can have access to a smoke wrench if needed to remove the twisted out bolts. Also do you recommend installing them dry or with a coating of Indian Head Gasket Shellac for the plugs. I had four pushed out of the engine one on each side of the block one on the right bank in the rear and the one in the back between the engine and transmission next to the camshaft plug behind the left bank.

 

[Big Jim M]

If you had four freeze plugs pushed out from ice you most likely are in big trouble. I've seen lots of plugs frozen out and the results are mostly bad. I've never seen a block with four pushed out. I betcha that block is toast.
Big JIm

 

[D.J.]

Well I'm planning on replacing them and then hooking up Radiator and all hoses including heater hoses out of vehicle on sidewalk. Then fill with water and then pressure testing with a radiator cap tester from the rental portion of autozone or etc. and leaving overnight to see if it looses any pressure.

 

[D.J.]

If all is not well my brother on law has a ford Taurus with a V-6 in it and a bad transmission that I plan on installing in it. My youngest daughter just turned sixteen today and I have to get my Ranger running so I can put her in the Dodge Stratus I've been driving for the last three years. I also have a 1986 Mazda B 2000 SE 5 out back that I could pull out of storage. But last time I tried to start it it would only run as long as i poured gas in the carb.