Freeze Plug

[LennysDriveIn]

The Freeze Plug on my Merc AphaOne fell out. The location of the hole is such that I can barely get my fingers near it b/c of the engine mount.

What are my options to get this back in? Take out the engine?

What would have caused this to happen?

 

[JeffMc62]

Re: Freeze Plug

I have a 06 Merc Cruiser 4.3L. Last year I found a port side, rear, freeze plug in my bilge. This year another plug has been found port side, front - behind the motor mount. All of the water drained from the block in the Fall. No adverse mechanical function last Summer, and no water in the oil. This year I had to bring it in for repair since the motor mount is prohibiting self repair.

I have been told that Mercury looks to a poor winterizing procedure for the reason the plugs pop out. Anybody else out there have the similar problem? What have you been told for a reason?

Thanks - Jeff

 

[danond]

Re: Freeze Plug

Those typically don't fall out. The #1 reason those come out is freeze damage from improper winterization.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Freeze Plug

What would have caused this to happen?

Ayuh,... Unless you Beat them out with a Hammer,...
The Only other reason is from Ice Pressure.... Frozen Blocks...

To the posters above,.... Your Winterization techniques are Lacking...

Cold Air will Not dislodge a Coreplug....

 

[LennysDriveIn]

Re: Freeze Plug

So it is safe to say, a freeze plug that has fallen out means a cracked engine block?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freeze Plug

So it is safe to say, a freeze plug that has fallen out means a cracked engine block?

Not always but usually the core plug is not the only thing that was freeze damaged..
Go to NAPA and get a rubber core plug,put it in and run the motor and see what else is leaking..check oil for water,ect..
You may have got REALLY lucky...

 

[jam1ej20]

Re: Freeze Plug

So it is safe to say, a freeze plug that has fallen out means a cracked engine block?

More times than not...sorry dude.

 

[danond]

Re: Freeze Plug

Opening just the block drains isn't enough. You have to pull the hoses, too.

 

[LennysDriveIn]

Re: Freeze Plug

Does water in the oil mean there is an internal crack?

 

[JeffMc62]

Re: Freeze Plug

Thank you to all that have replied. I neglected to mention that I live and the boat is stored in a relatively warm climate. Barely during the winter season does the mercury fall below freezing, and not for consecutive days.

There is hope especially after running last summer w/o any difficulty or lack of performance. No water in oil or any where in the bilge. No exhaust steaming. I was told by a local mechanic that these plugs can pop due to retraction and expansion. Given the humidity in the Southeast this is a possiblity.

Always an optimist.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Freeze Plug

Thank you to all that have replied. I neglected to mention that I live and the boat is stored in a relatively warm climate. Barely during the winter season does the mercury fall below freezing, and not for consecutive days.

There is hope especially after running last summer w/o any difficulty or lack of performance. No water in oil or any where in the bilge. No exhaust steaming. I was told by a local mechanic that these plugs can pop due to retraction and expansion. Given the humidity in the Southeast this is a possiblity.

Always an optimist.

Ok, this is a bit confusing. To get answers to your question you should start your own thread.
I have never had a core plug pop out due to humidity. Houston is pretty humid and I have never heard of anyone that has lost a core plug at all.
BTW ,welcome to iboats.

 

[djsmooth56]

Re: Freeze Plug

I had a freeze plug pop out on mine 2 years ago. It was in the same location behind the engine mount. I hooked the engine up to a chain fall (using the hoisting hooks), supporting the engine's weight. Then carefully removed the engine mount noteing the number of threads exposed on the mounting nut. Installed a new freeze plug with a hammer and socket. Re-assembled the mount and released the engine from the chain fall. I have not had any issues with water in the oil (knock on wood) and everything seems to be working perfectly. The whole procedure only took about an hour. Good luck.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Freeze Plug

I was told by a local mechanic that these plugs can pop due to retraction and expansion. Given the humidity in the Southeast this is a possiblity.

Ayuh,..... That's why it takes more than dirty clothes to be a Mechanic.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Freeze Plug

First off, they are not FREEZE plugs.
Click on the link below, and read the service bulletin, then you will know why they are there and what they do.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=192525