freeze plug in block

[JGAMBLE]

alrighty, while winterizing the X last night I was pulling the freeze out plug when I hit it one time too many and it fell into the block well it's impossible to get out so I went ahead and put the heating element in place and fired the X up so far I haven't noticed any problems and I don't want to pull this engine. Does anyone think this could create serious problems down the road or should I just ignore it til it becomes one?

 

[section525]

I read somewhere that in the old days mechanics would tap new plugs right over the old plugs (knocking them into the block). What I read was that this can cause over-heating problems because the old plug can block the coolant passages. Just just watch out for that.

 

[spindlecone]

why were you removing a freeze plug in the first place? are you storing it away for the winter? might a low voltage block heater be a better way?

 

[My98xplorer]

i had to replace my freezeplug last year, and i live in florida. Mine had a hole corroded in it. i tapped it in with a hammer and screwdriver, then i was able to stick a pic tool through the hole in the freezeplug and pull it out. It took some time, but i was able to get it out. I have heard that leaving it in there isnt a big deal, but i have also heard the think about it blocking a passageway for the coolant, causing the overheating. I guess its a 50/50 chance you take. If you start having overheating problems, i would get that out first thing

 

[JGAMBLE]

I was removing it to install a block heater. I've run her up to temp and everything seems ok so far, guess only time will tell.

 

[JGAMBLE]

well no worries of overheating. In fact it runs cooler after doing the flush and fill on the radiator, guess I won't worry about it.

 

[spindlecone]

Just always think about that freeze plug endlessly circulating thru your cooling system, lost and lonely, until one day it finds the impellar of your water pump.
Than KABOOM

 

[Peter Westling]

Hmm... I dont know really if the pump is before or after the thermostat... Maybe you catch it on the way..
Jgamble, did your blockheater fit properply or did you have to modify it for the engine mountingbrackets? I had SOME problems to get it into place....

 

[glfredrick]

DOn't worry - that freeze plug will NEVER circulate - the passages are far too small for that. I will just lay there and likely rust away after some time. Don't sweat it.

Typically, when I knock them into the block, I use a magnet to pull them back to the hole, then grab them with whatever kind of pliers it takes to get tehm out of the block. The way to get them out is to try to tip them sideways (hit an edge, not directly in the center) then grab them with a vise grips. I've also used a slide hammer, but that isn't happening with an in-car install of a block heater. No room for slide hammers in there.

The block isn't bottomless - that plug likely just wedged itself alongside one of the cylinders, just out of sight below the hole...