Freeze Plugs!

[skippychad]

Decided that I will be pulling my 383 motor to replace my freeze plugs.  This last one that corroded was under the motor mount and so I figure the others aren't too far behind.  I have found three on the left and three on the right.  I am wondering how many total are there....I figure there are some on the front and back.  The side ones are 1 5/8. Any help would be great.  Thanks.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Three on each side of the block. None in the front. One plug at the rear of the engine behind the camshaft but it doesn't come in contact with coolant, only oil.

[skippychad]

thanks!   having trouble getting the front ones in  with just the motor mounts out....no clearance to get a straight shot on them...so the motor is coming out. 

[birdsandbees]

Then do them ALL ! 6 in the block and 4 in each head. Flush the crap out of the motor while you have all the plugs out and poke away at any slug you can see while doing so.

Use a flap wheel or similar in a dremel and clean the hole bore before putting the new ones in.

[skippychad]

thanks...will do!

[birdsandbees]

Once you have everything cleaned up. Find a socket that JUST fits inside each size of the plugs. Coat the perimeter of the lip with Aviation Gasket sealer and tap them into place.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Some people will poo poo this suggestion, but if the engine is running fine, not over heating and you really don't want to pull it at this time, there is an expandable metal plug that can be used. You remove the old plug, clean the area (and any rust, gunk, etc. from within the block) then place the new plug in the block opening then with a wrench (ideally a ratcheting boxed end type) tighten the nut on the expandable plug. If done correctly they work surprisingly well. Just a thought!

[skippychad]

I thought about the expandables....just figure I am already disconnected enough that it wont be that bad to take the motor out

[skippychad]

any idea on if that rear freeze plug is the same size as the ones on the sides...1 5/8?

[birdsandbees]

The rear plug on the big blocks is just the cam shaft plug (unlike a small block with freeze plugs back there). Should be no need to touch it and it is 2 1/4" I think. Have my transmission back on so can't check to confirm, but it is a fair size.

[skippychad]

Thanks brotha.  Probably won't touch it if I don't have the right one to swap it out with right then and there.   Yea, if it's oil it shouldn't be deteriorated as the antifreeze ones. Just figured I'd try to swap them all when I have the access.   Thanks again!

[CHARGERSTEVEN]

If you check the parts manual or with ma Mopar the actually size of the 6 block freeze plugs is 1 11/16, the 1 5/8 will work fine but were made for Chevy big blocks.

[John_Kunkel]

My 440 block mikes 1.622", good luck getting a 1 11/16" soft plug in there.

Oh, btw, welcome to the board.

[skippychad]

Awesome stuff guys.  Thanks!!!   Pulling the motor for the first time tomorrow.  Kind of excited.   Wish I had the cash to do some great things.   Probably keep it out for a few months and hopefully little by little get it done.    Need to attack the front end and suspension all around.     Any tips on a great front end kit at a good price?