IDI Frost Plugs

[riotwarrior]

Ok having read and heard about ICFA's issue with the frost plug popping out becuase it was not installed correctly; it got me thinking about what we used to do at OSE years ago.

Seeing as we as owners are likely to ensure that there is proper coolant levels there is minimal chance that our engines will freeze up. That being said, has no one thought or investigated Screw in freeze plugs? Thats what we used to use for some of the high end street and race engines that we built.

So to use screw in plugs or not too is the ultimate question....

Whats yer take on this idea people?

 

[tonkadoctor]

Screw in plugs are not a good idea. They are designed to pop out if the system does freeze so you don't break the block. Install them correctly with locktite and it isn't an issue.

Only about 1% of the population checks their coolant and does their own maintenance, the other 99% just hope for the best.

 

[Dirtleg]

I was thinking along the same lines the other day. I don't have any plans to be fooling with this any time soon but the thought had occurred to me that if I did I would want a screw in plug. Like you said, it's not safe for everyone but for those of us who do actually keep track of their coolant glycol levels I don't see any danger with it.

 

[riotwarrior]

Screw in plugs are not a good idea. They are designed to pop out if the system does freeze so you don't break the block. Install them correctly with locktite and it isn't an issue..

Hmm...well seeing as I actually maintain my own truck, the idea of having it freeze up is as I said not likely going to happen.

Install them correctly and use locktight...well from what I have read this requires special tooling I am not likely going to have for a one off job.

As for being designed to pop out...well actually the plugs are for the sand that is used in the casting process and the secondary function just happened to be that the plugs would sometimes pop out when frozen. I have seen plugs that have popped and still the block got pooched from the freezing water.

Thus I am Extremely inclined to use the Screw in Plugs and negate coolant loss entirely. Thus saving the costly meltdown that can occur so quickly if coolant loss happens.

Evan's coolant and screw in plugs sound like a very solid solution to me. no water to freeze, better cooling....win win win all around!