[Healeys] best freeze plug material

[Oudesluys]

Do not use brass freeze plugs (do they exist at all??) because of 
electrolytic corrosion (iron/brass). Use steel ones as original. These 
will also have a tighter fit as steel is stronger and will clamp better 
when tapped home. If the hole is not corroded you may not need sealant, 
although it will not hurt to apply a thin smear. Any automotive good 
quality, non-silicon sealant will do. Make sure the rust and dirt is 
thoroughly removed from the holes before fitting the plugs.
Engine coolant should be replaced periodically to prevent deterioration 
and subsequent loss of anti freeze and anti corrosion properties. Never 
use pure water but proper coolant (green, NOT purple/red) or a minimum 
of 50% anti-freeze/50% distilled water. You can use expensive Evans 
waterless coolant but you would need to change the thermostat for one 
with a high opening temperature (e.g. 860C) to get sufficient cooling 
and an even coolant temperature. In my opinion it is a waste of money.

In all my life I have never seen freeze plugs failing/rusting after only 
7 years, even on 60+ year running engines I have never even seen a 
rusted out/failed freeze plug for that matter.
You only see that on a scrap yard or with engines that are filled up 
with water instead of proper coolant.

Kees Oudesluijs
NL



goldengt at cal.net schreef op 17-1-2014 21:40:
> I have to replace all of my freeze plugs (steel) after only 7 years. Either I had bad antifreeze or bad plugs or forgot to change the antifreeze. It has very little color now.
> So is brass the best material?
> Any recomendations for plug sealant?
> Thanks,
> Ken Freese
> 65 BJ8