1700 Freeze plug delimma, need opinion.

[Jerry/MT]

I don't see anyway to replace that core plug without splitting the tractor. You may only have to split it apart a little ways to be able to install the new core plug but you'll never get a new one in without getting access to the the whole opening. You can try some block sealer and I think that's a good suggestion. I'd try it first and if it doesn't work, then you'll have to bite the bullet and split the tractor.

 

[JFS2295]

JC,

They are going to design the casting cores so they have the most reliable results. No fun finding you have a high percentage of cores shifted during the casting process. Like most designed things, they are not thinking about 25-30 years later someone may have to replace that plug. If it was a routine maintenence item, then they would.

 

[Egon]

Think I'd give high temperature silicon a try.

Clean everything off well first. [pressure washer] Then insert a steel plate that's much bigger than the plug against the transmission side and fill the entire area between the block and plate with silicon.

 

[Soundguy]

Think I'd give high temperature silicon a try.

Clean everything off well first. [pressure washer] Then insert a steel plate that's much bigger than the plug against the transmission side and fill the entire area between the block and plate with silicon.

That's a bad idea that could cost someone an engine when the glue lets go.

not all correct fixes are easy.

the correct fix will be trouble free and provide piece of mind.. just may cost some sweat equity.

soundguy

 

[rayikeo2]

So far most replies are favoring some type of "stop leak". But if there is an easy way of replacing the plug without splitting the engine I would prefer that as a solution. Silicone is out of the question because the bottom 1/3 rd of the plug is not accessable to apply anything for lack of clearance.

 

[JC-jetro]

So far most replies are favoring some type of "stop leak". But if there is an easy way of replacing the plug without splitting the engine I would prefer that as a solution. Silicone is out of the question because the bottom 1/3 rd of the plug is not accessable to apply anything for lack of clearance.

Ray,

In a recirculating piping system, say chilled water and even better hot water if we have a leak in a fitting that can qualified as "workable trickle" we sometimes leave it alone and it is amazing how minor seepage can cure themselves by mineral precipitating in the crack. Glycol make the water much slicker so less likelihood of good blockage. If I had the issue that you have with my tractor, I first collect the existing coolant ,flush the system as best as I can, add pure water to the engine jacket, put stop leak and run it for a couple of hours brush hogging a field. If the leak stops , then I dump water and add coolant. If it failed to plug than split and proper installation of the plug is the best remedy. All you got to loose there is several hours of work and less than $5 for stop leak. That'll be enough justification for me.


JC,

 

[Egon]

Silicone is out of the question as the bottom 1/3 rd is not accessible.

Oops; missed that! A Seniors moment!

 

[rayikeo2]

JC, I might give that a try as I do have some mowing that needs done. However I will wait a couple days to see if someone that has replaced 1 of these plugs has some good pointers. I wanted to stall for a while before reinstalling the gas tank. Right now the tractor is in my garage and out of the weather and I don't have any stopleak on hand. Ray

 

[rayikeo2]

You won't believe this! Checking to see if I had to split the engine how much of a problem it would be and found out the split would not remove the 3/8 inch of casting that covers the freeze plug. There would be absolutely no gain in splitting. Look at my pictures, the engine casting includes the part that covers the plug. So there has to be a way to change this plug just as you see it behind the engine casting. The factory had to put the plug into the casting after the engine was cast because it is all one piece. There has to be a trick to installing this freeze plug so I will see what I find with more detective work. In the meantime if someone discovers I just looked at this wrong, please let me know. Look at my pictures real close and you can detect where the split divides. Ray

 

[Bedlam]

depending where you live and how the dealerships are. Ive just asked the parts guy , and they will usually yell back to the techs and ask them how its done.Just a thought, Id go with the sealer anyways. but asking a Ford New Holland dealer how is something id try. you got nothing to loose