Brass-Colored Freeze Plugs?

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dibbons

dibbons

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I was just wondering if the brass-colored freeze plugs that were supplied in my kit are rust-proof, rust-resistant, or will rust anyway (compared to the steel colored type)? Thank you.

P.S. Has anyone in a colder climate ever seen a core plug, "freeze" plug, "save" a cylinder block from fracturing by popping out during freezing weather?

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dibbons said:
I was just wondering if the brass-colored freeze plugs that were supplied in my kit are rust-proof, rust-resistant, or will rust anyway (compared to the steel colored type)? Thank you.

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Hard to tell in the pic, but it looks like they might be anodized and not actually brass.
If that is the case then they can rust.
Actual brass plugs are more uniform in color and have wide shoulders like this .
See if a magnet sticks to them, because if it does they are not brass.

I have seen three on one side pop out before and not break the block when it froze.

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dibbons said:
I was just wondering if the brass-colored freeze plugs that were supplied in my kit are rust-proof, rust-resistant, or will rust anyway (compared to the steel colored type)? Thank you.

View attachment 1715126218
Click to expand...
LOL!! If You can pick 'em up with a magnet they're plated, they won't rust if You don't neglect the coolant, like everything else. If You can't they're brass, they won't rust,
but that doesn't mean they can't corrode.............
 
Packaging may say what they are. Probably steel if not noted otherwise. Find a magnet to be sure.
 
Freeze plugs are not really intended as freeze plugs but they can save a block in some cases. If a block freezes hard it can still crack it.
The reason those plugs are there is because the holes were used to shake out the sand when the block was cast.
Replace them with whatever plugs you have. They should outlast your lifetime. I always buy the brass ones, they do not cost much more than the old steel ones. Put a little sealant on the edge before driving them in. I like to use indian head shellac.
 
"Dorman China" is what is printed on the product, magnet does not stick. (foto in post #1 is generic, not actual product)
 
I put Ultra Grey (permatex) around and put them in. An old speed shop guy (long gone) told me to do that when I was young, and I've never had a leak, ever from an expansion plug. Sure there are a lot of success stories, though. The shellac mentioned above would do well also...
 
thats right, paint the back with RTV also. Even the brass kits come with 1 metal piece, the rear cam plug. It has to be metal because the way it seals with a peen hammer blow to the middle. Brass wouldnt cut it.
 

Bite it and see if it bends that's what the 49ers did! Think it is in the FSM somewhere.
 
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