Freeze plug help needed

John Cassidy · New User Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 1 Report to Moderator

Hi everyone, I'm trying to get my 1964 Ford 2000 (4 cyl) back on the road. I don't have the experience to separate the engine from the mid-section but might have to due to a leaking freeze plug. This plug is half hidden by the front upper edge of the trans housing and has become a pocket to hold water/dirt. In the process of cleaning it out, I poked a hole through it. I'm wondering if I can repair it using JBWeld or something similar. What do you think ?

Blindhawg · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:47 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

I'll bet someone has done it without splitting.
J-B might prolong the replacement but make sure surfaces are clean and dry if you try. Splitting the tractor is not that tough. Find a shop manual and a buddy with some experience and tackle it on a weekend. Lots of info on this forum too. Good luck.

RodinNS · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 7:28 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

Splitting is not as bad as you think. 2 decent 2.5-3 ton floor jacks will do the job. One jack and good blocking if you're stuck. Couple hours will roll that apart, even for most with little/no experience IF you have the tools.

Rod

Ultradog MN · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 8:07 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

If I was the dictator of all the world I would outlaw the use of JB Weld. No it will not work on a soft plug.
Do as Rod says and go ahead and split the tractor. It's really not that bad of a job.

Fordfarmer · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 9:44 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

Probably the worst part of splitting a pre-'65 Ford is pulling the hood off and replacing it. I wouldn't even try JB Weld for patching a freeze plug. If it held, it would be a temporary fix, and then you'd have that to deal with when you did the permanent fix.
It also wouldn't hurt to say where you are; there may be someone in your area who'd be willing to help on a job like this.

WayneIA · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

Remove the battery, battery box and air cleaner and put in a new soft plug in the block. Close quarters can be done. BTDT
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Bern · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

I've done some amazing things with JB weld, and saved a lot of money in the process.

Ultradog MN · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

I don't doubt you Bern. Have seen it used with good effects. It seems though I've seen JB and other puckys abused more than anything else.
I wont ban it completely then. But restrict it's use to people with common sense.

Hobo,NC · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

Never done one on a tractor but know zacly what you are talk'n about,,, I have done worst on cars/trucks with no problems at all taking nuttin loose... Its very doable if you can cut/weld a tool to do it... You do not have to have a straight line to drive a plug in that's the tip... I have a box full of special tools i have made to get were no man has ever gone... One tool is 8 ft long so I could go beside the trans from the rear and under the zaust manifold tween the engine mount mount to get at a plug,,, worked great made me lots of money in the day...

Figger the angle of the dangle,,, cut the bar,,, weld a washer to the bar that fits the I.D. of the ,,, grind the plug so it fits under the bell housing and nail it home... a deep well plug works best,,, If it does not go straight you can figger out how to walk one side to align it,,,, theirs no reason to drive all the plug all the way in if its a deep type,,, just enuff to seat the part you ground down,,, you have nuttin to lose try'n.... If I get time I will drag out some of my ho-made drivers and take a pix so folks will get the I.D. ....

Blindhawg · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:47 pm Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

If anybody did it without splitting, I would have
bet on you Hobo!

36 Coupe · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 2:33 am Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

Clean the pocket out and fill it with silicone with JB water plug.That pocket was one of Fords dumber ideas.

Hobo,NC · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:55 pm Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

How I would do it,,, cuzz someone else is ask'n over on the N board... I would make a rod, bend grind are what was needed to get a good shot at driving a new plug in,,, you will need to weld a flat washer to the end of the rod ,, the washer needs to fit inside the freeze plug,,, i prefer a deep well plug even if i have to grind part of it to clear the obstruction,, You do not have to get a straight shot at it,, work from both sides and walk it in are stop and tap the edge to align it Wink

I like permatex aviation gasket eliminator to seal it...

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This one has been modified dozens of times..

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part of my collection that has served me will

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showcrop · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

Search the archives. there was a thread on here only about a month ago where someone successfully changed one without splitting.

Hobo,NC · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Freeze plug help needed

no need to I have drove more of'em than the law allows Very Happy

not that i wanted to but my pay check depended on beat'n the book...

Allis Chalmers	Case	Cockshutt	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
H. Ferguson	John Deere	Massey	Minn. Moline	Oliver	All The Rest