Trojan Boat Forum

Hey can anyone offer any suggestions in replacing frost plugs. I have a '75 30ft Hardtop Express. I looked at the engines and realized it is going to be a bugger to replace due to lack of space. I have two 350 engines. These Canadian winters are extremely cold up here. I hope I don't have any further damage????

Auto parts stores sell rubber compression replacements. They drop in the opening and expand as you tighten the center bolt. About $3 a piece last time I've bought one.

Which plugs are leaking? If on the side and below the exhaust manifolds, may not be too bad to get to. If behind the block, the bellhousing and trans will need to be pulled.

I would replace with brass if possible but you can use rubber/expanding type as mentioned.

You can go to just about any auto parts store and buy a freeze plug installer tool. Long angled bar with adapters to fit the plug to drive into the block.

If you choose a standard stamped frost plug, be sure to use a sealer on the outer diameter before you knock it into place. I use Permatex 2 on these but any similar prodect will do.

I just prefer the rubber type, as I can take them out and really flush the block in the fall before I fill the blocks up with anti-freeze for the winter. Here on the Mississippi, we tend to draw a lot of mud into the blocks when pulling up to sand bars all summer. Its handy to pull the plugs out and squirt the hose around at least once a year to keep the water jacket spaces cleaned out.

Thanks, I just picked some up and will see if works this weekend.