Sbc Frost Plugs

This is my first engine tear down. My 283 only has 70,000 miles on it and runs great so i'm doing a re-gasket kit.

just wondering what the best way to remove frost plugs is?

And do i have to pull the cam out to romove the rear cam plug?.

i would rather not drill them to keep from getting shavings in the jackets( i will if a can get the shaving out).

i would appreciate any help and tips you could give me to make me a better engine builder for my 66'chevelle.

Beav,

First, the cam plug will not corrode like the cooling systems plugs do. It's in a continuous oil "bath". Leave it alone.

The 1 5/8" plugs are the only ones to worry about. There are two in the front, two in each side, and two in the rear.
Using a blunt "drift" or punch, drive one side of the plug into the block. This will cause the other side to "rock" towards the outside. Take a pair of channel locks or a "roll head pry bar", and simply "rock" the plug out by hooking under the side "lip". Always study the casting to be sure you're not trying to drive the plug through a cylinder wall...

Now, this sounds a LOT easier than it actually is. Take care to not drive the plug too far into the block. if it's steel and rusty, it may collapse when you hit it. If that happens, use a sharper chisel, running down the "wall" of the expansion plug hole, being VERY careful to not "groove" the wall.

With a bit of patience and the right tools, these things come out. I would replace them with brass so they won't rust out in the future.
One or two that might fall into the water jacket, and are unretrievable, won't cause any REAL problems. It's not the best way, but they've been known to "stay" in a block from time to time.

Jim

Thanks A Lot, I Thnk I Can Manage That. I Appreciate The Detail.