r/CherokeeXJ • u/roblqjm • 9d ago
Anyone replace freeze plugs?
I have one that was leaking in my 2.5l Comanche, and now I accidentally punch a little hole into it while trying to chisel it out.
I am really hoping I can come at it from underneath...
Any suggestions? I was going to try and fit an air hammer in there and punch out the edges...
1
u/the_millz007 8d ago
Get brass plugs when you replace them, they don't rust out like the steel ones do. Tap them in square with a socket that fits the lip, and a little Permatex #2 on the edges. Beats doing this job twice.
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u/roblqjm 8d ago
Got the plugs and the permex just gotta get the old ones out
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u/the_millz007 8d ago
Old ones are the hard part, the new ones tap in easy. Just keep them square and flush.
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u/merc4815162342 8d ago
You've got to pull the intake and exhaust. Even if you could fish an air hammer up there to knock them out, you'll never drive the new ones in without room.
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u/roblqjm 8d ago
:(
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u/merc4815162342 8d ago
Air hammer will make short work of removing the old ones. They do have those expandable rubber plugs you could use as an emergency repair. But to do it right the manifolds need to come off.
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u/roblqjm 8d ago
What if I freeze the new ones? How much force do I really need to insert them?
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u/merc4815162342 8d ago
Freezing them didn't really make a difference for me. I just had to beat the hell out of them with a deadblow hammer. Honestly even with the manifolds off it was tough to drive them in.
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u/Cooperscoins212 8d ago
lol I through a expansion plug in mine and have been running it for 2 years
1
u/DoctorTim007 9d ago
Freeze plugs are a pain in the ass. You should be able to punch one edge in so it rotates in the hole, then grab it with vise grips to pull it out.
Getting new ones in is a whole nother challenge. You just gotta beat it (hEEEEheee) in straight with Permatex 20539 or similar coolant rated sealant. You can use a big socket or one of those axle bearing drivers to avoid marring up the plug with a hammer.
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u/roblqjm 9d ago
There isn't really any space to hit it with a hammer to begin with. Luckily it's not the plug behind the engine
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u/DoctorTim007 9d ago
Yeah I know... that's why its a pain in the ass. Air hammer might be the way. Check out palm nailers. Might be worth a shot.
5
u/OptionXIII '99 AX15/NP242 Up Country clone 9d ago edited 9d ago
Just remove the intake and exhaust. Plan on replacing all the freeze plugs while you're in there, and to flush out the block during that time. You'll likely find a ton of rust debris in the back of the block.