DESMOG FREEZE PLUG PROBLEM

[rh_customs]

  Has anyone had problems after a desmog with the freeze plugs on the top blowing out. I did a desmog a few months back and yesterday had the second plug blow out, first one happened the day of the desmog.
Thanks
RH

[SCain]

I put some permatex sealant on mine when I installed them two years ago, never had a problem. I remember using the NAPA plugs and they were rather tight getting in.

[DFragn]

Originally I had left the tubes in place, but kept blowing the caps off. So I did a full desmog.

I knocked the plugs down tight, about a 1/2" then filled to the top with JB Weld then wetted my finger and finished the exposed surface off smooth. It looks good and have never had a problem blowing them out.

[Kingbee]

Specifically, what did you wet your finger with - some special solvent?   

[DFragn]

Specifically, what did you wet your finger with - some special solvent?   

Ya know full well my special solvent is naturally 'sputum'. I mean spit. 

[f6john]

I desmogged 4 years ago. I put in 14mm freeze plugs without any sealer and left the tops of the plugs exposed ( no jb weld ect.) They haven't moved or deteriorated in any way.

[Momz]

I blew out 2 freeze plugs in one week. My permanent solution was to remove the other two, use 5/16th button head screws, they will just thread in the smaller of the bores, then fill the rest of the area above the button head with JB Weld.

[rh_customs]

   Thanks to all for the reply's, picked up some new plugs today may try with some JB Weld, not to much though, out here in California you never know what new laws they'll pass, may need to put all the smog junk back on one day to go through smog inspection?
Thanks again
RH 

[Madmike]

seems to be lots of this going around lately...... are you fellows using the "cup style plugs" or the "convex ones"????????????

[Tropic traveler]

Use the cup style plugs, drive them all the way down until they bottom out. Make sure you drive them in absolutely straight & you should have no problems. Did my '97 that way 30,000 miles ago, still good to go.
If you use no sealant & don't epoxy over the top it should be a fairly simple job to extract them at a later date if you have to.

[f6john]

"Cup" style for me also.

[Madmike]

Is the fact that the plugs are being blown out an indication of another problem??

[Tropic traveler]

Is the fact that the plugs are being blown out an indication of another problem??

No, not really a problem. The holes that we plug off for a de-smog are connected to the exhaust port with constant exhaust pulses trying to push out the hole. If whatever is used to plug the hole off isn't seated or sealed real good, exhaust will come out!
 

[Hogdaddy]

Where you guys getting the freeze plugs? Called most of the autoparts stores and none around Lake Charles La. area. Thanks

[Madmike]

9/16 or 14mm as I recall, should be no problem at any good autoparts or industrial supply - ask for a cupplug or expansion plug....

cupplugs

[mirion]

I used the 9/16 cup type plug which is actually .010 tighter than 14mm. I used a little LocTite on them and then went one step further after reading about someones who blew out. After pressing them in a little past flush I usd a prick punch and put a punch every 90 degrees around the plug hole to peen the aluminum over the plug. Maybe overkill and maybe not, if you are careful with the punch it isn't even noticeable. This is an old trick I had seen for loose sleeve bearings on a lawn mower wheel.

[JimC]

If you want a de-smog kit that will not blow out, and looks like part of the factory block, check out Darryls kit;

http://www.xf6-custom.com/partpages/desmog.html

I used his plugs, and when installed, they fit flush with the motor casting, and they fit so tight you actually have to look for the seam around the plug to see it. I would be willing to bet a months pay check that they will never blow out. Another part of his kit is a machined plate and gasket that eliminates what some guys have been doing, (breaking the tube and bending it over, or plugging it with jbweld) In my opinion his kit makes for a much more professional job.

Jim

[Jim Ross]

Big BF does a de-smog......anyone know what kind of plugs he uses?

[X Ring]

Where you guys getting the freeze plugs? Called most of the autoparts stores and none around Lake Charles La. area. Thanks

Hogdaddy, I got mine from a machine shop that rebuilds engines.

Marty

[Hogdaddy]

Marty, Thanks
I called over a dozen autoparts, machine shops etc. I called the last Autozone today. The lady said she had some and if I wanted all they had I could have them for a penny each, so I now have about 20. Do you put anything on them before you drive them in?
Hogdaddy

[matt]

i have hit all parts houses that i deal with as i am in the auto repair busness and they all laugh when I ask for 14mm plugs    today I read they are 9/16  is that correct?  also I would rather not put anything over them as it seams majority do not blow.  next question do you put them flush or drive them to the bottom

[Thunderbolt]

the 9/16 is what I am referring to.  I drove mine all the way down, then mixed up some of the epoxy that comes in a roll with two colors and you knead it together and pressed it in.  I have Kuryakyn valance covers so you can't see this anyway.  If I did not have the covers, I probably would have looked for some chrome caps to put on the top of the epoxy.
Use a small socket, one that fits loose on an extension.  If you use one that fits snug, you won't be able to get it out once you tap it to the bottom as the top rolls over a little.

[X Ring]

Didn't put a thing on mine and drove them in till they bottomed out.  On the bottom of the engine I made blockoff plates.  Scribed the outline of the fittings on 1/8" aluminum, applied black hi temp silicone to the engine side and used the fitting with the tube cut off to secure plate in place.

Marty

[matt]

once again thanks for all your input   I am happy I found the vrcc as I have recieved some good help  no the fun part putting the air box back on  going to try Dags way