Freeze Plugs

[RMaguire]

About a month or so ago I blew a freeze plug. I had my smarty on level 5, just as it had been for months. Dealer fixed it under warranty. Today I am getting on the interstate and blow another freeze plug... smarty on 3. My dad hauled me to the dealer for repair. Could have been the same plug... didn't check as it was 5am.



Is this common? What can I do to avoid. I commute 50+ miles one way. A day without my rig is a b**ch... and I don't mean beach.



Any input will be appreciated.

 

[tkerrigan]

If you rev over 2000 before thermostat is open there is a lot of pressure developed. Make sure engine is thoroughly hot. 15 miles or so, more when it is really cold out.

 

[ENafziger]

You've got a couple choices. You can "patch" it with an oversize freeze plug, or you can put a block off plate over it to keep it from coming out. The problem then, is that one of the side plugs are susceptable to blowing.

The real solution is to use some sort of blow-off pressure relief. There are a couple kits out there, or you could put something together yourself.

Lazarsmith sells a pretty nice kit:
BOE Kit

And Enterprise engines also sells one (this is the one I have, although the Lazarsmith one is probably better):
Enterprise Engine Performance

--Eric

 

[RMaguire]

Thanks for the info... you have to love this site!



Turned out to be a larger plug near the turbo. Warranty took care of it.



Tech told me my radiator seems to have restricted flow and may need to be replaced... $600+ labor. I'll go elsewhere for a radiator.

 

[Kry226]

I would also make sure the restriction is actually in the radiator...