Freeze plugs into the block- how to remove?

kkgp81 · Jul 15, 2024

I pulled this out of a truck I’m stripping and it appeared they were fixing freeze plugs but then gave up. Well we were going to replace the plugs when I discovered both passenger side plugs were driven into the blocks cooling channel. Any thoughts on removal techniques? Internet search says it’s common to find plugs in blocks by rebuilding shops and it won’t affect anything?

Rickf · Jul 15, 2024

I've latched on to them with vice grips or needle nose pliers and yanked.

Turbo4whl · Jul 15, 2024

This ^^^ Also after you grab them with the Vise-grips, lean it to the side and pry it with a screw driver at the same time you pull with the grips. Once it turns in the hole, you can get a better grip. The freeze plug is a press fit so it needs a lot of pull to get it out.

fast 99 · Jul 15, 2024

or suitably sized channel lock pliers.

PrairieDrifter · Jul 15, 2024

Regular vice grip is the only way. Grab on that visible edge and roll it out of the hole.

Shops that leave them in there aren't worth your time. Of course every once in a great while you get a really hard one that just won't come out.

Radiohead · Jul 15, 2024

The channel lock method is easy for me, I use a smaller one so I can keep ahold of it. The way the jaws are gives you some built in leverage against the block.

Now, try doing this when the engine is installed with all its accessories in place, and it's easy to see why someone would leave an old one behind. It won't hurt anything unless it being there keeps a new one from installing properly. That's been my experience in the real world with freeze plugs.

fast 99 · Jul 15, 2024

Radiohead said:
The channel lock method is easy for me, I use a smaller one so I can keep ahold of it. The way the jaws are gives you some built in leverage against the block.

Now, try doing this when the engine is installed with all its accessories in place, and it's easy to see why someone would leave an old one behind. It won't hurt anything unless it being there keeps a new one from installing properly. That's been my experience in the real world with freeze plugs.

Very true and I have done just that. Access and labor [customer cost] some circumstances old one stays. Doing jobs by the book in the real world are not always possible.

Channel locks work well by grabbing an edge and prying it out. Not saying a vice grip won't work just tossing out options. We always need options.

illmanners · Jul 22, 2024

Been doing this for over 40 years.
Using a hammer and a punch, poke a hole in the freeze plug as close to the edge as possible (could also drill a hole in same location,) then use a seal puller to extract the freeze plug. Works with freeze plugs that are free (as in your picture,) or those that still have a seal to the block. (See video for more

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Craig Nedrow · Jul 25, 2024

Dang right Perry, just what we did at the shop, course the block was out on the floor or on a bench.....

ss454elco · Jul 28, 2024

I use a roller head pry bar to hook the lip and roll it right out.

JBswth · Aug 12, 2024

Rickf said:
I've latched on to them with vice grips or needle nose pliers and yanked.

That's just about the only way. You shouldn't leave them in, as they act sort of like a beaver dam and cause a big lump of scale to form around them, which causes a hot spot.

J. B.

Freeze plugs into the block- how to remove?

kkgp81

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