07-10-2005, 09:15 PM | #1 (permalink) |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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The truth about so-called "Freeze-out" plugs
This has come up a few times at work. I hear people mentioning freeze-out plugs, and every time I ask what they're for, people tell me that they're there to prevent damage if the coolant freezes. At this point I always stop and correct them. Freeze protection is a nice side-effect, but what they're really for is to make it easier to wash out the casting sand during manufacturing.
Just a little fun fact. If anyone has any more fun (or not particularly fun) facts along these lines, share 'em. |
07-15-2005, 12:12 PM | #4 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: North America
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they are supposed to protect the block from cracking if the coolant freezes but they usually are so rusted in that the block cracks anyway...The hole is there for the casting process but the plug is for the freeze protection as well as to plug the hole.
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07-15-2005, 01:57 PM | #5 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Quote:
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07-29-2005, 02:28 PM | #6 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: North America
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Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist/happen...I've seen freeze out plugs pop out during a freeze and actually protect the block. Granted the engine shouldn't have had water in it during the winter time but that's another story.
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07-30-2005, 12:47 PM | #10 (permalink) |
Junkie
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Generally if a core plug does pop out it is more luck than anything, many blocks have cracked since the plugs didnt pop out. On a side note, most race engine builders at the higher levels of racing (Nextel Cup, etc) tap the core holes and use threaded plugs that can't pop out.
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08-01-2005, 01:07 PM | #11 (permalink) | |
Riding the Ocean Spray
Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa
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Quote:
PS: where I work we manufacture freeze protection bleeder/drain valves so I deal with this issue often. Most locomotives in the U.S. and Canada have one of our valves on the engine block to protect it from freezing since they do not use antifreeze in locomotives ...antifreeze results in reduced heat rejection and therefore reduced power and even a couple percent = lots of $$$ |
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Tags |
freezeout, plugs, socalled, truth |
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