Boats For Sale:
Freeze plugs Rubber OK? |
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aDrifter 
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Joined: August-28-2011 Location: Mt Vernon, WA Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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 Topic: Freeze plugs Rubber OK?Posted: March-04-2012 at 3:05pm |
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I bought a boat that suposedly had a cracked block and a few of the freeze plugs were blow out. It turns out the block is not cracked but now i just need to address the plug issue.
On the rear ones that are the low points of the water jacket, would it be a bad idea to leave those ones rubber to get more of the water drained out when winterizing? On the starboard side the block drain is "up high" because of the engine angle.... I have heard of people leaving the rubber ones in and not having issues but i just wanted to see what others with the same/similar boat had to say. Thanks! |
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crobi2
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Joined: April-05-2011 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 112 |
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Posted: March-04-2012 at 4:53pm |
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I used a rubber freeze plug in a car once a long time ago when it was too tough to put in a steel one. It lasted for years.
I don't think that it is a good thing to be taking them on and off to drain the water though. |
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C-Rob
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SNobsessed
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Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
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Posted: March-04-2012 at 7:59pm |
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Well, if a core plug leaks in a car, worst case you have to pull over.
If it leaks in a boat, it can fill up the bilge with water. I think the additional risk isn't worth the time savings. Antifreeze will take care of the residual water in the block when you winterize - we all have that same condition. If you go with metal, use a brass plug & locktite it in. |
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eric lavine
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Joined: August-13-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13413 |
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Posted: March-04-2012 at 10:02pm |
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how did you determine that the block isnt cracked?
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"the things you own will start to own you"
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aDrifter
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Joined: August-28-2011 Location: Mt Vernon, WA Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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Posted: March-04-2012 at 10:33pm |
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I took it out a couple times (with rubber plugs). Ran for a total of 3 or 4 hrs (checking engine and gear) with no signs of water in the oil.
That was september of 2011. I then winterized it and now just putting together a pre season pick list. |
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lakedog55
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Joined: November-11-2010 Location: Lake Weir Fl Status: Offline Points: 835 |
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Posted: March-04-2012 at 11:12pm |
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sounds like you made out okay.
I wonder why the po thought it was cracked? Mike |
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Lakedog55
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62 wood
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Joined: February-19-2005 Location: NW IL Status: Offline Points: 4527 |
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Posted: March-04-2012 at 11:16pm |
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I had rubber expansion freeze plugs in my Ski Tique back in the 70's and never had any problems. Made it easy to drain the block. It was my first boat. Thats what was in it when I bought and still in it when I sold it.
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aDrifter
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Posted: March-05-2012 at 3:42am |
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I think i did ok. His mechanic couldnt get it started to check if the block was cracked (cheap start solenoid/bad ground). I paid 1500 for an '89 2001, floor is soft by the seat but still useable. it needed manifolds and a few other little things.
So it sounds like it wont hurt anything if there is a rubber plug or two but try to put the brass ones in if possible?........ |
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8122pbrainard
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Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41040 |
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Posted: March-05-2012 at 8:52am |
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My opinion is the rubber expantion plugs are really a "shade tree" fix for someone who doesn't know how to drive a new core plug in. It's really not difficult. The only exception may be a core plug that is real hard to get to without pulling the engine. You won't have that problem since you stated you need manifolds.
BTW, core plugs are not for draining the block. That's why they installed block drains! 
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SNobsessed
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Posted: March-05-2012 at 8:20pm |
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$1500 for a running '89 was a steal!
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
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vondy
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Joined: November-29-2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Status: Offline Points: 1116 |
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Posted: March-05-2012 at 8:55pm |
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I had a rubber plug pop out on my engine a couple of years ago. Boat filled with water fast. Had to replace the head gaskets and manifolds. The plug was probably in there for 15 years and it was in rough shape. So if you only doing it for a few years I would not worry but if you have the engine pulled, I would do it right and go brass.
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62 wood
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Posted: March-05-2012 at 10:00pm |
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I should clear up, I replaced the rubber plug with a new one every couple of years. (Dont remember if the 'Tique had a block drain.)
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aDrifter
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Posted: March-06-2012 at 2:13am |
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yes it is the one behind the starter. I will rubber plug it until i can pull it and do it right. Thanks again for the help
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