MTFCA Forum

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

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

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

Here is a photo
Going to check casting dates now

Only casting date found

Guys: someone just threaded it to fix leaking plugs.

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

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.