New Freeze Plugs for a Model T Ford Block

Prep the holes….clean well and make sure the “land”, where the plug seats is nice and square…. This one has some corroded areas outside, but the seat for the plug is intact.

Next, check the stock of freeze plugs….. got plenty,

and these are a lot less expensive than the vendors offer.

Then, using a socket the same diameter as the freeze plug …

Yep, that’s the right size……. Then press the ball of a ball peen hammer

Into the new freeze plug. Be sure to place it “Face down”, otherwise

he will be looking into the engine rather than out.

Nicely formed, now take a file to make the edge square and to size it for a snug fit in the hole…..

That looks pretty good….. There’s the Silicone RTV sealant that I’ll use….

Put plenty of sealant around the sealing area of the hole and the plug….

Place the plug so that he will be upright (head toward head)…

Then use a smaller socket that fits the new diameter to drive the new plug into the hole….

I used a brass hammer to gently tap it home…..

Here it is, nicely seated in place…..

Then using the flat end of the ball peen hammer, tap the ball peen with your brass hammer to be sure the coin…I mean freeze plug is expanded in the hole……..

Here’s what it looks like….. All three are done….

It took a bit more time than using commercial plugs, but my car is worth 15 cents more today.