cracked block or blown frost plugs

[rbh]

ok
so I just got call from the neighbour and his brother whose supposed to come boating with us this weekend just got his boat into the mechanics and they fired it up and boy did it leek from the two frost plugs on the side as well as the two???? on the back of the 454 block.
so I guess that the boats coming over to my place and I will pull the motor out with my altec digger.
but if the frost plugs are pushed out ONLY, replace with new or reuse the old ones?
and if we find cracks grind and JB weld?
its going to be a fun long weekend
rob

 

[Don S]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

You can put in new FROST ????? Plugs if you want, and you can even JB weld the external cracks. THe problem is, if the block is cracked internally.
Put some of those cheap expansion plugs in the popped out core plugs. And run the engine for a while and see what happens with the oil. If the level goes up and the oil turns milky, you need a new engine. Not a patch job.

 

[maddog2]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

I just replaced a Mercruiser 4.3L V-6 because of a cracked block and exhaust.
I had both freeze plugs blown out on the sides. It was not winterized and it cost me dearly.

Not only should the exhaust manifolds be drained of water, the drain plugs on the engine block should be removed.

You might be lucky and only have a few freeze plugs to replace, but if 4 plugs were out, then it is possible that you have a busted block too.


Its gonna be a long weekend for sure, but not too fun.

James in NC
High Rock Lake

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

Howdy,


well 454's (and all other engines) do not have "frost" plugs.

They're "core" plugs. (minor semantics to be sure)

1. Yes you can replace them. Use brass plugs.
2. if the block is cracked visibly on the outside it's probably cracked on the inside.

454's love to crack "in the valley" behind the pushrods.

3. If the block is cracked, It's toast IMHO.

You can try to "glue" it. Some people get JB Weld (or other epoxies) to work for a long time.

I wouldn't.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[rbh]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

hey guys thank god its not my boat the only thing I have to deal with is the stupid leg trim switch forthe port side it will go down on the throttle switch and will only go up on the trailer switch as well as a full tune up on both 260 mercs by noon or so.
best pull back the reins on the rum tonight.
cheers guys
happy long victoria day weekend
rob

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

Hi Rob,

You have to understand that people ask this question more
times than I can count around this time EVERY YEAR!

All the cracked blocks come out to play from about APR to JUN every year!

The owners always ask the same question and they get the same answer..... (they don't want to hear it so they rationalize and justify.......[of course])

No one ever wants to hear that they just toasted a block and they need to replace it....

 

[rbh]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

hey mr ht32bsx115 thats quite a handle whats your name.
rob

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: cracked block or blown frost plugs

Uh.....it's in my "sig"


Cheers,


Rick