drain plug problem

[rudyjrusa]

hi - i removed both drain plugs from my 1974 charger 360 engine and noticed that no antifreeze is coming out - not sure what is happening??  any advice??  thanks

[tan top]

the drain holes  are probably blocked with rust & sludge . poke a  thin screw driver  in there ,

[Steve P.]

Then after you poke through the crap,,,, remove your rad. cap, staick the garden hose in there and flush the shit out of it..

[rudyjrusa]

Then after you poke through the crap,,,, remove your rad. cap, staick the garden hose in there and flush the shit out of it..

i give it a try tomorrow - hopefully the antifreeze comes out - if it does not come out - do you think the engine block needs to be taken apart???

[TylerCharger69]

When pulling the block plugs....it is very common for rust and sludge build-up to occur in this location because it is the bottom of the water jackets.  But as Tan Top and Steve P.  suggested,  shove a screwdriver in there to loosen up that stuff....and flush, flush, flush.  Careful not to damage the threads for the block plugs though!!!

[Steve P.]

The 2 plugs in your block are located in the lowest central point in your block. This is exactly where all the scale and rust sits. After many hot and cold cycles this crap becomes hard. Allmost like concrete in some cases. Just poke through the crap and it will start flowing.

I had to use a punch and hammer on one not long ago..

Have you had the plugs out before??

[rudyjrusa]

The 2 plugs in your block are located in the lowest central point in your block. This is exactly where all the scale and rust sits. After many hot and cold cycles this crap becomes hard. Allmost like concrete in some cases. Just poke through the crap and it will start flowing.

I had to use a punch and hammer on one not long ago..

Have you had the plugs out before??

i just bought the car in sept 2006 - trying to flush out system before winter sets in - it is the first time a have removed the plugs - it took alot to get them out - i had to use a little heat to get them loose - i think i need some new ones - would a local auto shop have some???

[Steve P.]

Yes, local auto parts or hardwere store. I like the brass plugs and even though they are pipe threads I like silicone sealer on the threads. The silicone does not harden up like Teflon can. 

Just make sure it's only on the threads and your not pushing a bunch of sealer into the block.

[TylerCharger69]

on those plugs...I replaced mine with inverted threaded ones...therefore there was no need for sealant....brass ones of course

[rudyjrusa]

Yes, local auto parts or hardwere store. I like the brass plugs and even though they are pipe threads I like silicone sealer on the threads. The silicone does not harden up like Teflon can. 

Just make sure it's only on the threads and your not pushing a bunch of sealer into the block.

i placed a screw driver in the holes to clear out dirt and the water came out like a hose - i used the water hose while car was running to flush out the dirt - i bought brass drain plugs from home depot - i placed plumpers tape on the new brass drain plugs and filled with new antifreeze - it worked like a charm.  thanks for all your help - now if i can get the gaskets for my heater/ac box i can complete the whole system.

[Steve P.]

You DID blend the anti-freeze 50/50 right??

[rudyjrusa]

You DID blend the anti-freeze 50/50 right??

yes