1924 engine with no freeze plugs

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BlackTinLizzie
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1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by BlackTinLizzie » Sun Nov 03, 2019 7:25 am

1924 numbered engine that has 3/8 pipe plugs where the freeze plugs would be.
Is this a replacement engine
it is in a power unit that was used to power a cider mill.
Thanks. Bill


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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Russ T Fender » Sun Nov 03, 2019 8:26 am

Could it be an earlier replacement block that was stamped with the number of the block it was replacing?


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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by pre15dale » Sun Nov 03, 2019 8:37 am

Does it have a casting date? Does it have the long valve cover door or two short ones? Can you post pics?


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BlackTinLizzie
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by BlackTinLizzie » Sun Nov 03, 2019 8:44 am

Here is a photo
Going to check casting dates now
Attachments
20191103_074931.jpg


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BlackTinLizzie
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by BlackTinLizzie » Sun Nov 03, 2019 8:54 am

Only casting date found
Attachments
20191103_084906.jpg


Dan Hatch
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Dan Hatch » Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:31 am

Guys: someone just threaded it to fix leaking plugs.


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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by mtntee20 » Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:34 am

Looks like a previous owner got tired of leaking freeze plugs. He decided to tap threads into the holes and use pipe plugs instead. Guess that would be OK if you were able to ensure freeze protection for the next 100 years.

Good Luck,
Terry

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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Mark Gregush » Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:49 am

Have you ever seen a block that had the plugs pushed out because of freezing? The holes are there as part of the block pouring process. The Model A doesn't even have them and all the A blocks I have seen have the freeze cracks are in the same general area as the T, on the water inlet side. Remember that Ford used a screw in plug for a lot of years before going to the press in plug. If it were mine, I would replace the plugs that are now in it with Allen type recessed hole brass plugs so they don't stick out so far.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by TMiller6 » Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:57 am

Mark G. Has it right. In the industry, the plugs are often called Welch plugs or less often, core plugs.

In production casting work, efforts are taken in design to avoid using chaplets and plugs.
Tom Miller
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Steve Jelf » Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:59 am

I would replace the plugs that are now in it with Allen type recessed hole brass plugs...

Whether they're screw-in or press-in, I would always use plugs that won't rust (brass or nickel).
The inevitable often happens.
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by D Stroud » Mon Nov 04, 2019 7:51 am

I remember hearing in the past(early '50's) that they got the name "freeze plugs" because some engines that had been frozen had pushed them out, although they had nothing to do with actually protecting an engine from damage. Kind of like the "don't let a battery set on a concrete floor or it will run down" myth. Dave
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Charlie B in N.J. » Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:59 am

Although Steve has a point about rusting a decent anti-freeze will have rust inhibitors in it. I only bring it up because I'm in the ain't broke don't fix it club. The holes, for whatever reason, were tapped for pipe threads so you can't go back to the factory type plug. They could be rusted or somehow locked in place and screwing with them might cause a bigger headache like torn out threads in the block. Not leaking ? Leave it be. Don't grind off the heads either. If one starts to leak and you simply have to try to remove it you won't have anything to grab.
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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Aarongriffey » Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:35 am

I have seen a dozen cracked blocks that still have the core plugs in them as the factory installed them.
Core plugs are put in after the the casting sand has ben removed after the block was cast.
They were never intended to save the block from cracking.

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Re: 1924 engine with no freeze plugs

Post by Mark Gregush » Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:33 pm

The if it isn't broke don't fix it, good idea. My only comment re the plugs, is they don't look to have been in that long going by the threads on the outside. but bottom line would be it's your call and if they are not in the way leave them.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

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1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup

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