Freeze plugs won't stay put

[Lando]

89 180 b230ft 251k, stock garrett, 25k on rebuild.

I am having trouble keeping my freeze plugs in place. The plugs on the exhaust side of 1 and 2 have pushed out a millimeter or so and started to leak for the second time. The first time they were installed by the machine shop and started leaking 5k or less after rebuild. I assumed installer error/cheap parts. I replaced those two only, with volvo ones, and now that I have my head off, i just noticed this:


Only mods are, MBC, wideband, 3" turbo back exhaust. I am also using the 150 kPa cap. I haven't increased my rev limit so coolant pressure shouldn't be any higher than usual. What gives?

[arnoroth661]

Cooling system changes for high RPM use.

FCP freeze plugs came out, eight dollars each volvo ones haven't for me. n/a 84 b23f

[500dollar744ti]

OEM freeze plugs, always.

better yet, don't take the original ones out in the first place. the only people ever complaining about freeze plugs are those who have taken the original ones out.

[nathaninwa]

On the exaust side you can make an alum plate that spans all 4 to keep them in. I used loctite #1 when installing mine too. The intake side is a bit trickier and its hard to secure the ones around the pcv box, but you can get the front to. If you can get a small right angle drill, the boss around the plug can be drilled and tapped for some number 8 screws and let the washer overhang or make an alum cirlce to cover the hole plug.

[Lando]

I haven't increased my rev limit, and i usually shift at 5000-5500, so I am not sure its a high rev issue.

Originally Posted by Nathaninwa

On the exaust side you can make an alum plate that spans all 4 to keep them in. I used loctite #1 when installing mine too. The intake side is a bit trickier and its hard to secure the ones around the pcv box, but you can get the front to. If you can get a small right angle drill, the boss around the plug can be drilled and tapped for some number 8 screws and let the washer overhang or make an alum cirlce to cover the hole plug.

I'd rather not go the plate route, but I will try locktite #1. Last time I swapped out the two that were leaking, the seemed to go in a little too easy. They were volvo plugs, so I am afraid the holes are just a tad too big. Hopefully the locktite will work. I'll be taking measurements to make the plate, incase they dont stay put. At that point ill waterjet a plate and be done with it.