55 bird 292 heas freeze plug replacement

[HRUVDT564]

the plugs on my heads are smooth ( no place to use screw driver or wrench)

Does anyone know if those are screwed in or pressed,?

If they do have threads how do you guys take them out?

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[86lxcoupe]

They are press-fit. To remove the old ones I take a large flat head screw driver and knock one end inside the head or block. This usually will rotate the plug in the hole and you can pull it out with a pair of channel locks. If it falls completely inside the water jacket, don't worry, it won't go far enough to get lost. Just pull up with your finger or screw driver and grab with pliers or channel locks and wiggle out.

When installing new plugs, be sure to clean the block/head area well. I use sand paper to smooth any rough areas. Then apply some sealer (I prefer Permatex #3) to the block area and edge of the new plug. Let it get a little tacky and install. Be sure not to hammer on the recessed area of the plug when driving in. This will damage and cause leaks. Use a socket (or better yet the install tool you can rent at the auto supply) that fits on the raised lip of the plug to drive it in.

I did this with the engine in my '57 and using the rented install tool was a big help. Had to remove the starter & oil filter. My 312 doesn't have the plugs on the ends of the cylinder heads.

I highly recommend using brass freeze plugs over steel as corrosion will not be an issue any longer. Good luck!

 

[HRUVDT564]

Perfect, thanks!
FYI. I refreshed my 292 and put heads back on wrong sides so I need to move water temp sensor and plug the hole.
Lessons learned ( mark heads L&R)

 

[thessler]

What about just extending the temperature gauge wire ?

 

[HRUVDT564]

Water hose would look a little strange 🙂