freeze plug in bilge

uncovered 88 to clean up and ready for new owner -took deposit and expect to be gone by the 4th
winterized as usual drained block, manifolds, j tube- sucked up 1.5gals rv antifreeze strainer still 1/2full pink
wiping bilge out and hit metal thought it was plug- it was -just the wrong one
oil is new last fall and still at full
pulled rear block drains and nothing comes out even with trailer fully lifted
mild winter as lakes never froze over
same winterize as 99sport no issue there
understanding that only way casting plug pops is via freeze just not sure why/how it froze
thinking of pressing plug back in turning on the hose and firing up?any thoughts of what else could be done

red or blue loctite? if i go with red may be the next one in line pops
at this point there i see no harm in trying to fire as? if more extensive damage happened it is already there- just say no to Crack

8122pbrainard wrote: Paul, The plug most likely just fell out due to a poor install. They don't come out with a freeze to the block and in fact are not there for that purpose. I do need to ask, was the plug steel or brass? That will make a big difference. Red or blue? There are plenty of Locktite products out there besides the normal ones stocked by the local hardware store. Take a look

Not there to reduce pressure from freeze/ice in block? So then what is purpose?

pete, plug was brass with original silver block paint, a little rust around inner edge of opening clean outer luckily starboard side stern easy access removed starter wire, cleaned with 220 opening and plug, red loctite 1in socket block of wood trusty estwing and beat it back into place
fired up ran to temp checked oil still clean and level, refired and let idle for 1hr recheck and all is still good -PHEWW --i hope

8122pbrainard wrote: 74Wind wrote: Not there to reduce pressure from freeze/ice in block? So then what is purpose? For fasteners/pins to hold the casting core when the block is cast. Jeff, Where have you been??? I know, Autozone and they told you they were freeze plugs!!!!!!!!

Uh oh...are you saying I should sell all my shares in Autozone?

8122pbrainard wrote: 74Wind wrote: 8122pbrainard wrote: 74Wind wrote: Not there to reduce pressure from freeze/ice in block? So then what is purpose? For fasteners/pins to hold the casting core when the block is cast. Jeff, Where have you been??? I know, Autozone and they told you they were freeze plugs!!!!!!!! Uh oh...are you saying I should sell all my shares in Autozone? That really depends on how many stupid people you can get into the place to keep the profit margin up correct? So, You are actually one of the Autozone customers??? WOW!!!!!!!

It was a joke Pete, I know how much you love Autozone!