Brass freeze plugs vs. steel.

[bull]

Is there any advantage to using brass freeze plugs rather than steel? A guy at the machine shop told me they use brass but I didn't get the chance to ask hiim why.

[MorePwr]

The only reason I can think of is corosion. Brass is the way to go. In my opinion.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , brass will not rust

[tan top]

      use brass

[Charger_Fan]

"Gas, brass, or..." oh wait, wrong bumpersticker.

[is_it_EVER_done?]

I agree with the others that brass is better as it doesn't rust, but brass is much softer and I have had a couple blow out over the years, plus I know a few people that had a brass plug blow out due to mechanical failures such as a failed head gasket, or cracked head which allowed exhaust gas into the cooling system. Brass can "pop out" before the radiator cap reaches it's release pressure. This is probably why the factories didn't use brass as OEM.

Since I live in the Desert with extreme (in-human) Summer temperatures, My experiences are not the norm for most, but I now use the Stainless plugs from 440-Source. The best of both worlds with the strength of steel, and impervious to corrosion. Plus they are only a few bucks more than the others.

Brass for your application/living environment is more than adequate. Since I live in an area that a cooling system failure can literally kill you, the Stainless is just that much more insurance, and I just wanted to let you know that it is available, though I don't think you need it.

[Charger-Bodie]

brass is good but they are more prone to leak if not installed very even ,because they are soft if they tip at all whenn pounding them in they will likely leak i still like steel of stainless

[Nacho-RT74]

plus I know a few people that had a brass plug blow out due to mechanical failures such as a failed head gasket, or cracked head which allowed exhaust gas into the cooling system.

That's its function don'y you think ?

Brass can "pop out" before the radiator cap reaches it's release pressure. This is probably why the factories didn't use brass as OEM.

Maybe bad permatex quality or bad installation.