[AMC-list] Not done with Freeze Plugs yet

["Armand Eshleman" <aje1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frank said "They plug the holes used to pour molten steel or aluminum into
the mold for the block (or head). "

I said
As long as we are being really anal about "freeze" plugs, and because it was
mentioned we like to learn things on this list, and because it was mentioned
about getting a lecture or something like that, I guess I better add my
coins to the discussion.
Actually the "holes" that the plugs fill are NOT where the molten metal is
poured into the mold. The holes filled with "freeze/welch/core" plugs (I've
heard them referred to as soffit plugs too) is actually the hole that the
sand is removed from. The molds that cast iron blocks are poured with is
made of casting sand. There I said it and I'm done.

Armand

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frank Swygert" <farna@xxxxxxx>
To: <amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 5:47 PM
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] Aluminum 195.6 Freeze Plugs


> 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. >
> 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!)
>
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