Freeze plug replacement. 1st gen.

Replaced a leaking block heater installed in passenger side of block today. Installed OE freeze plug. First time, success on first try. It was a bear, took about 4 hours. Feel free to ask questions if you find yourself here.

 

Did you use a sealant? I haven’t replaced a freeze plug since high school auto shop 50 yrs ago. I seem to recall using Indian Head Shellac or Permatex #1 back then

 

Possibly unconventional, I used the thinnest coat of permatex red thread lock recommended by a mechanic from a local Toyota shop. My dad who owned a VW shop in CA for 25 years said he never used sealants when installing these, just a lil grease to help them go in easier. After seeing how tight the fit was yesterday and how hard I had to hit the installer to finally get it all the way in there I don’t think sealant or thread lock is needed if ur install is good. Grease would’ve been helpful. I’ve put about 40 miles on it. No leak.

The fit is so tight that any sealant will likely get squeezed out as the plug goes in, imo.

 

There are 'sealants' which are designed help with freeze plugs on more poorly machined castings.


Blue 243 loctite would probably have been better, it's designed to seal and lock. Red doesn't provide any sealing properties. Iirc.

 

Permatex sells 12 different blues and 14 reds. Had both red and blue to choose from the parts cabinet at the bodyshop. Chose red because it stated high strength and high temperature on back of package it also listed good for cast iron blocks, blue listed medium strength, nothing about high temp or blocks. Think I made a good choice, been driving around all day and checked when I got home. No leaks. If the job is done right with a proper seating/fitment of the plug then there shouldn’t be much issue because they are interference fit parts. I’ll keep everyone posted through out the week if I notice a leak.

 

You probably won't have a problem. You don't actually need anything but the fact you did is better than not doing anything.


My post was meant to be more informative/anecdotal than anything else. Sorry if it came across as otherwise.

 

All good, not offended. Just puttin it out there why I went the way I did. Personally I probably would have chose permatex aviation form-a-gasket if I wanted to wait but I was a bit nervous once the leak got worse. No second vehicle and only had a short period of time to make this happen.

 

update: no leaks after 300+ miles.