Sealing freeze plugs

[Reno Speedster]

I replaced the steel freeze plugs in the 22 last year, because they were rusty and leaking. I used brass ones with some sealer, but while doing some work I noticed that they show signs of weeping and minor corrosion. I am using antifreeze. I can easily replace them, but what are folks using to seal these?

[Steve Jelf]

I can tell you what not to use. Good old Permatex #2 does not do well in this application. Ultra Black worked for me until recently when my plugs started leaking. I don't know of a way to remove them intact and reuse them, so I drilled them and pried them out with an ice pick. 75¢ down the drain. I installed new plugs Friday with lots of Ultra Black, and I'm letting them sit dry a few days to be fully set. The previous ones lasted about a year. We'll see how these do.

[George House]

Steve,... Are you still using concave Indian Head nickels for T freeze plugs ?

[Humblej]

I make my own plugs with buffalo nickels and used Permatex #2 just for insurance, they have never leaked or rusted out.

[John kuehn]

It’s not period correct but I used the first Jefferson head nickel out of my pocket and used it. I made it concave a little using a socket and small ball peen hammer. Using Permatex and so far so good.
Don’t forget to use a small screwdriver or knife to clean out the recessed area really well. Not doing it can cause a leak later on.

[Nv Bob]

Nickels and blue permtex
Never had an issue

[Allan]

Two points. Antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor will seek out any site which may allow a leak. It is essential that the hole in the engine block be cleaned out back to bare metal so there can be metal to metal contact with the freeze plug. Metal to rust will not seal. Here in Australia where we have no need for antifreeze, I use soluble oil in the radiator water. It does not go chasing for leak sites.

Allan from down under.

[Reno Speedster]

Good point Allan. I did clean the pockets out, but I will do it again. Living in Alaska, I need anti freeze. I don’t go out on cold days generally, but cold snaps happen.

[Steve Jelf]

Steve,... Are you still using concave Indian Head nickels for T freeze plugs ?

Yep. I still have a few I bought at Hershey for a quarter each.

Using Permatex and so far so good.

Which one? Permatex makes a lot of different products.

[SurfCityGene]

Every Model T toolbox should have a tube of Permatex Ultra Black OR The Right Stuff.. You can cure many many problems with either. Sealing leaks of coolant or oil is only one of them..

[JohnH]

I use a dished Australian 2 cent coin sealed with JB weld.