Re: [AMC-list] Aluminum 195.6 Freeze Plugs

[Ken Ames <ameskg@xxxxxxxxx>]

The plugs would have to be right at the top of the block to pop when freezing,
and they aren't. But then the top of the block is stronger than part way down
the block so they just MIGHT let some the water out before the stress got to be
too much. 


Ken


Quoting Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>:

> Just a little nit to pick here!! Those are Welch plugs or core plugs, NOT
> "freeze plugs", though that's what they are commonly called. They ARE NOT to
> protect the block from freezing. They plug the holes used to pour molten
> steel or aluminum into the mold for the block (or head). 
> 
> I don't know how the term "freeze plug" came into being, but it's firmly
> entrenched into automotive lore more than "Ramblers were made from parts
> bought from other US car makers". Some lucky guy went out and found one or
> two popped out when his engine froze, I guess, or people were just guessing
> to begin with. I have YET to see ANY auto maker's technical literature refer
> to one as a "freeze plug", nor any engineering papers. It's an "old
> mechanic's tale", and if the plugs popped out and the block wasn't damaged
> due to freezing you're one lucky SOB!! 
> 
> --------------
> Date: 12 Mar 2010 07:46:15 -0000
> From: das24rules@xxxxxxxxx
> 
> wow, im not sure what the screws are for. my freeze plugs look like the day
> they were new. i wasnt going to bother with new ones. i saw that feebay add,
> and thought about it for like 1 second, (till i saw it was only 1) and
> decided to pass. the car this came out of only had 15k on it. appeared to be
> draind before parked. it would be nice to have NEW ones availible. yes, they
> are friggin HUGE. i havent measured them, but probbly over 2". real close if
> not. i guess maybe it needs to be for the cold climates (like where i live
> where it is -20 regularly in the winter, 5 days in a row this winter) to
> make
> that the weakest point with all that aluminum. 
> 
> -- 
> Frank Swygert
> Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
> Magazine (AMC)
> For all AMC enthusiasts
> http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
> (free download available!)
> 
> _______________________________________________
> AMC-list mailing list
> AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com
> 


_______________________________________________
AMC-list mailing list
AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com