Need help with easiest way to change frost plugs.

I have a 76 Comet with a 302 and a C4 trans, I need to replace my frost plugs. I have replaced one already, but the current problem plug is located under the driver-side motor mount. So I figure I need to pull the whole engine, then I'll replace all the old steel plugs with brass ones.

I've never pulled a whole engine before. I'd like to just remove the rad, disconnect the engine, lift it up, remove the old plugs, install the new plugs, drop it down, reconnect and be done. I have access to car jacks, jack stands, vehicle ramps, and a friends engine hoist.

What components do I NEED to remove, and whats the easiest way to accomplish this? Besides my own tools, I only have access to jack stands, vehicle ramps, and a friends engine hoist.

 

There's no such thing as a "frost plug".

 

I think he means freeze plug. Depends on where you're from on what you call them.

 

Unortunately some people are just *******s. Still trying to get over the befuddlement of having to explain what a butterfly valve is, and that yes there is one in most carburetors.

If the freeze plug is under the motor mount, you could just jack the motor up, and remove the motor mount from one side.

 

They are found on Chebies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsZNZovrDzQ

 

Sounds like you have enough knowledge to get er done. Disconnect the battery first what ever you do.
I like using my air hammer do drive the plugs in place. Allot easier than swinging a hammer. I use a long chisel bit into the end of a short 1/2" extension. On that I use a 1/2" impact waubble and an impact socket that fits the plug.

 

Posts: 5

Two years from now...Posts: 5

don't razz the guy. You know what he means.

I would offer more help, but honestly, never swapped them out. Was hoping to get some feedback and hints on this thread...

 

If you guys want to get technical they're actually core plugs. They are put there for block casting, they were not designed to pop out if the coolant freezes. More info on core plugs....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_plug

 

Can we all agree to "brass plugs" and move along?

Furthermore, can anyone answer his original question, instead of razzing him about the name of the items in question? (other than gene, who provided some feedback)

 

Skipped my post I see.

I suggested just jacking the motor up and removing the 1 motor mount, rather than the entire engine. I've helped do it that way on Toyotas/Hondas before.

 

may I ask the reason for needing to replace all of them?

 

Around here they are frost plugs as far as terminology but who gives a F^%&.
Getting at them in the car can be tricky. To remove it tap one edge into the block. As the plug flips hook the lip with a prybar etc and simply pop it out. Out is the easy part. You may not be able to get on the new plug to reinstall it due to location. You have other options for spots that are just not accessible. You can get the rubber expandable type plug. Real easy to install. Good option if its just one your replacing and dont want to pull an engine.

 

Also try your best not to score/scratch the side wall of the hole where the plug goes.

 

Yep. "frost" has nothing do do with it, and yet somehow, I'm a "a-hole" for stating a plain fact..
Isn't there something in the forum rules about personal attacks here?

 

Frost/freeze, same thing. I'm used to communicating with individuals from above and below the 49th parallel.

The engine had all the old stock galvanized plugs in it. I've had to replace one plug already that was leaking as a result of corrosion, but it was easy to get to when I turned the steering to exactly the right spot.

I currently have a second leaky plug under the driver-side motor mount. All the plugs I can see look just as old, leading me to believe they are just as corroded, and not far behind. I don't want to have to replace any plugs later, so I thought I'd pull the engine once and do them all.

I'm hoping I can just disconnect the transmission from the back of the engine, and the exhaust manifold from the rest of the exhaust, and lift the engine up just enough to put new plugs in. Not sure if that's going to work, and haven't worked out how to hook onto the engine. I've seen special plates that bolt to the top, but I'm considering the bolting a chain to the heads technique because of my limited access to specialty tools.

I'm putting myself through school, so the space I'm stuck with working in is small and outside in the yard, no cover. Hoping if I have to pull the engine I can do it all in one day so I don't have to leave the engine in the yard overnight.

I'm planning on fixing my Comet up nice eventually, but right now on a student budget I'm just focusing on fixing what it needs to keep it running well and reliably. Eventually I'll strip it down and rebuild the engine, but that will be at least a year away.