Freeze Plug Replacement

[Japandrew73]

I've currently got all my freeze plugs removed right now and replacements all ready to go. The only problem is (brace yourself for OCD), when installing the new ones, I put the little bit of sealent around the edge (controversial, move past it), then I use a block of wood and a hammer to get them in evenly and straight without denting/harming the rim of the plug. The wood works well up until the plug starts digging into the wood and then I have to use just the hammer. The hammer gets it fully in place, but at the cost of slightly denting/ruining the gold iridite finish on the rim of it and it bugs the crap out of me.

Does anybody have a tip/trick on installing these without harming them? (I've also tried the socket technique and that just results in a circular dent in the middle from the socket).

Also, just curious since i've already bought the steel plugs, are brass plugs readily available for the m30?

[Jean]

bigger socket that will match the size of the plugs...sounds like you were trying to use a smaller socket if it left a dent in the middle?

[Japandrew73]

bigger socket that will match the size of the plugs...sounds like you were trying to use a smaller socket if it left a dent in the middle?

Hmmm..... I was, but it was BARELY smaller. It seems like even if it was a bigger socket it would dent the outsides. Did this happen to you or did yours come out perfect when using the exact matching socket?

[White325is]

When I did mine in the M20 the past week I just used a socket the same size of the plug and they went in perfect.

[Japandrew73]

When I did mine in the M20 the past week I just used a socket the same size of the plug and they went in perfect.

Will try this tomorrow. Thanks guys i'll let you know how it goes

[White325is]

Here is an actuall freeze plug tool. snap on makes them. Im not sure, but if you go to your local auto zone you could prolly rent one for peanuts.

http://jdub.supramania.com/Mechanical/Freeze%20Plug%20Disk%2001.jpg

[BDK]

how did you remove the old ones?

[White325is]

Hammer, flat head screw driver, plyers.

[Japandrew73]

Well I went down to ACE and bought a 1"1/4 socket to fit perfectly inside the freeze plug. I went home, used the socket method, and it scratched up the bottom and sides of it. Why isn't this working for me?

With the Socket Way I get this (I know it's not put into place fully, I've taken it out since I've taken the picture):


With the "hitting directly on the rim with a hammer" way I get this:



These can't be my only options. What am I doing wrong? These things are only a $2 each so I'm willing to practice a few times to get them perfect

[Farbin Kaiber]

The socket should seat on the outside rim of the plug, not "in the pocket" so to speak.

[Japandrew73]

The socket should seat on the outside rim of the plug, not "in the pocket" so to speak.

Really? Everybody i've heard this method from says it should sit "in the pocket". Still though, with a socket on the out rim, won't it just leave the same scuff marks that hitting it with a hammer leaves?

[whiltebeitel]

Wood dowel that fits into said pocket?

[Farbin Kaiber]

Try the Snap-On tool for it. Freeze plugs only look perfect when the manufacturer installs the first ones.

[Pinepig]

Wood dowel that fits into said pocket?

Why you gotta do that, he could slap some JB weld on them after they are installed and mangled and then carve it to shape and paint em gold again.

[416stroker]

Why you gotta do that, he could slap some JB weld on them after they are installed and mangled and then carve it to shape and paint em gold again.

Thats what I was going to say.