87 caprice Freeze plugs

[87BoxClassic]

i just got my car back from the tranny shop it runs perfect, but he told me i need to get my freeze plugs replaced?. i don't know what they are or what they do or anything about them. can i replace them myself?

[silicon212]

The freeze plugs, also known as core plugs, are put into the engine to prevent any ice from breaking the block, should it form in the engine. Instead of pushing out against the block until it breaks, the ice will pop the freeze plugs out of the engine and prevent major damage.

On the small block Chevrolet, there are 8 freeze plugs. Two in front, two in back, and two on each side. The ones your transmission guy were probably referring to are the two in the back, in front of the flexplate. The factory plugs are steel and over time, they corrode (rust) until they leak. Once there's a sign of leakage, they need replaced.

Replacing them in the car is a bitch, and believe it or not, the two in the back are probably the easiest ones to replace while the engine is in the car (along with the two in the front). However, you will need to remove the transmission to have access to them.

[bobss396]

The ones in the back can be notorious for mystery coolant leaks. I had one on a 396 that we discovered as a last resort to fix the problem. That portion of the block is normally not painted, just my theory on why they tend to be the leakers.

Bob