318 freeze plug rusted through

[drudodson]

Getting to know my F25 318, and had a lot of water in bilge after last run. Found a rusted through freeze plug about a 1/8" hole in it. Bottom of engine port side, next to oil dipstick connection. Can I get that thing out and replaced one handed while standing on my head in the hold? Or better to JB weld it until a future pull out? Anything else I should be thinking about?

[P-Dogg]

Let my just say "Ugh!"

[P-Dogg]

OK, now let me say replacing the plug is the best option.

Not to encourage other options........ A self-tapping screw plus JB Weld could be in your future. You've got to get the better of the pressure that wants out, which is prolly on the order of 15 psi. If you're looking at, err, uh, a temporary fix to tide you over, seal the screw with the adhesive sealant of your choice as you screw it in, rather than rely purely on the adhesive properties in tension with no mechanical plug for said hole. Sand the plug and degrease it and the screw before applying sealant. But you didn't hear this idea from me.......

[prowlersfish]

They all need to be replaced , with brass .

[drudodson]

Thanks for the temp fix idea that I didn't hear . I agree on replacing all with brass - is that an engine pull? Pretty cramped down there . . .

[mikeandanne]

Dorman makes an expandable rubber plug for repairs like this, I have used them when there is no extra room. Google dorman expandable freeze plug repair. There are u tube videos. But if you can swing a hammer enough to knock the new plug in, it will be better to replace properly with brass plugs.

If one has gone have a real close look at the others.

[drudodson]

glad to hear the Dorman expandable might buy me some time. yes, tomorrow will be about finding the others and - gently - pushing on them. thanks,

[drudodson]

Thought I'd close the loop on this and report a happy ending. About half the plug disintegrated when I touched it. Two days and six total hours of pecking, pushing and prying it finally came out - sheesh! The Dorman installed in ten minutes, and is holding fine. Tough on an old man, tools down in the hold, laying on the cockpit sole. With any luck I bought a few months before an engine pull and replacing all the plugs - plus a lot of other maintenance. Thanks again.