Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#231757 01/22/12 06:14 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
I got a call last week from the machine shop rebuilding my engine. It seems the block is cracked and is no good. Today I got another 41 block ready to take to them to see if it is good. I spent about 2 hours prepping it and thought I should post what I did and suggest others consider doing the same if they are going through an engine rebuild. I blew out the coolant system of the block. It took me that long because I did not stop until chunks of corrosive material stopped coming out of the block. I used 120 PSI of air with two different wands that are shown in the pictures. About 90% of the work I did with the smaller wand. I assume that about 2 cups of debris blew out of the block. I do not know if machine shops normally do this for you but I hear a lot of guys complaining about engines over heating and this could be a reason for it?

[Linked Image from inlinethumb37.webshots.com]

[Linked Image from inlinethumb21.webshots.com]

[Linked Image from inlinethumb53.webshots.com]


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 176
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 176
If you haven't done it yet, you should remove the two soft plugs from the side of the engine, you will be able to clean a lot more rust from the block. Of course the engine rebuilder should remove the plugs when they clean the block.


Walt D
1934 Mstr 4 dr/sidemnts
1937 1/2 ton P/U
1953 Bel Air HT
1946 Aeronca 7-AC Champ
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
Walt, Thanks. What is the best way to remove these plugs? Mike


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
Mike,
where did the stuff come out?

There are four large plugs, one in the front, one in the back and two on the side. They can be removed with a sharp punch. Sometimes if you apply the punch off to the side it will turn in the hole and it can be extracted with pliers. Also with the plug speared with a punch it can usually be pried out.

Usually an engine rebuilder will tank the block and boil everything out of it. Some use an oven that burns all the junk into an ash.

Last edited by old216; 01/22/12 08:30 PM.

My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
The stuff came out almost every single hole in the coolant system. The engine had sat for over 25 years so the first thing was fine dust then small chunks of scale. A month ago I had a head hot tanked and the same type of debris came out, so I would assume that hot tanking alone is not enough to clean out the coolant system? Thanks, Mike


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
The machine shop i use cleans the engine block, head and anything else that needs it by hot tank with proper chemicals. All clean out plugs are removed and new ones installed with the rebuild. I wouldn't use a shop that didn't clean the engine much better than I could.
Charlie computer

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
I used a local shop to clean my head, and am using a more reputable one for the engine rebuild. Have you ever checked to see how clean your block or head was after it was cleaned professionally? Good night , Mike


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
Mike
You will be surprised how much more gunk you will get after removing the freeze plugs. I would also use a high pressure water jet as well, most of them operate at a higher pressure than most air compressors and are a more concentrated stream.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 596
Oil Can Mechanic
Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 596
Originally Posted by tonyw
Mike
You will be surprised how much more gunk you will get after removing the freeze plugs. I would also use a high pressure water jet as well, most of them operate at a higher pressure than most air compressors and are a more concentrated stream.
Tony

And wear eye and skin protection while using them; can hurt yourself!


Richard
Waverly, IA
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
...I cringe every time I hear the term "freeze plugs"...


1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475

If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
Hot tanking is intended for engines that have been run recently. It will remove any grease, oily deposits and some corrosion products but will not remove metal particles, rodent nests, casting sand, gasket remnants or other materials. If the engine has been stored for an extended period or has heating problems a passage may be blocked. In most cases hot tanking will not open it or thoroughly clean it. Same for some deposits on the bottom of the cooling passages. It is always best to probe with wires and tools to break up as much stuff as possible. Then blow out with air or water pressure. Only then take to rebuilder.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Mike,

i don't know if it would help, but I have a '48 216 engine complete that ran when I bought it. I'm down in Kalamazoo so not too far away. Am interested to hear how the cleaning and rebuild goes. What shop are you using? Is it one around Midland?

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
Mehl42 and others, I sure appreciate all your comments. This is my first experience with engine rebuilds. I took my cleaned up block in today. The shop is in Bay City, Michigan and is a large CarQuest machine shop. I have visited now three times and like the references I checked out am impressed. It seems to have about 6 to 8 shop employees. The guy working on my engine showed me a 12 inch crack on the side of the block at about 3 to 4 inches running parallel to the bottom of the block. Said else the engine did not appear to be in that bad of shape. He found the crack before plasti gauging it or hot tanking. If I had more knowledge I should have already seen it! I feel just a little foolish that I have been assuming the last 7 years that this would be the engine someday in my 41? Lucky for me I have another block that I think should work out? I also have a 47 block and a 49 in my car. I think before storing either I will have them hot tanked and plasti gauged. As Charlie says, "why store a boat anchor?" The machinist assured me he does blow out the engine and uses as strong as is legal chemical in their hot tanking process, so I should have one very clean coolant system? Thanks, again, Mike

P.S. Mehl42 my phone number is 989-832-7634



Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
Was the crack along near where the expansion plugs are? I understand it isn't unusual to find cracks there as the block is thin and rots through from the inside.

A friend of mine had his 1940 216 rebuilt a couple of years ago. When they went to bore it out they ran into rust holes through from the water jacket. They had to install sleeves. Just thought I would mention it in case it happens with yours.

I have used a CarQuest shop near me and found the work was well done and reasonably priced.


My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,135
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,135
Originally Posted by old216
Was the crack along near where the expansion plugs are? I understand it isn't unusual to find cracks there as the block is thin and rots through from the inside.

A friend of mine had his 1940 216 rebuilt a couple of years ago. When they went to bore it out they ran into rust holes through from the water jacket. They had to install sleeves. Just thought I would mention it in case it happens with yours.

I have used a CarQuest shop near me and found the work was well done and reasonably priced.

What are "The expansion plugs"????.....So many folks are confused about what the "CORE PLUGS" are there for....Because so many "Old Guys" passed this information along to their kid's and grandkids (not knowing what the Hay they were talking about) that people don't know what they are anymore.I was told also that those plugs were to pop out in case your motor froze up to keep the block from cracking..SO HERE GO'S~~~~ THEY ARE THERE TO GET THE SAND {USED IN CASTING THE BLOCK}OUT OF THE BLOCK....AMEN....The car companies could care less if your car froze up because you were dumb enough to not read the owners manual (that they supplied with you car) and care for your car properly.
As a matter of fact it was to their interest if you did not read it!....Just like Some other poster said ...I could scream when I hear these "CORE PLUGS" referred to as "Freeze out Plug's"......ED


I was only wrong one time in my life so far. But that time I was right, and only thought I was wrong....ED
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
...I cringe every time I hear the term "expansion plugs"...


1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475

If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
Unfortunately the term expansion plug or freeze plug is better known to a lot of folks than "core plug". I agree with the explanation of the purpose of the plugs, it is just that the correct term doesn't seem to be used as often.


My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
The common term amongst the trade down here is "Welch plugs". The holes are there for casting purposes and these plugs are a cheap way of sealing the holes up but they do (on some occassions) save the block in a total freeze situation. Some blocks do crack between these holes as well and sometimes not caused by freezing.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,135
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,135
Originally Posted by tonyw
The common term amongst the trade down here is "Welch plugs". The holes are there for casting purposes and these plugs are a cheap way of sealing the holes up but they do (on some occassions) save the block in a total freeze situation. Some blocks do crack between these holes as well and sometimes not caused by freezing.
Tony

Tony..It would be interesting to find out were the term "WELCH PLUG" came from.....Just curious......ED


I was only wrong one time in my life so far. But that time I was right, and only thought I was wrong....ED
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
The 12 inch crack was directly under the "core plugs." The next time I visit the machine shop I will take a picture. It should help us all evaluate a block before taking one in for rebuild.
Thanks, Mike


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
Back in the day, it seemed that most cracks occurred along the top left side of the block (I think that may have been a relative thin place in the casting) and along the valve seats in the head. The crack in my 1936-36 head that I recently had tested was along the valve seats, rendering it a boat anchor.

I remember that sometimes my father, who ran a garage back in the 40 and 50s, used "K&W Block Weld" when the crack was not severe (and merely on the block itself). As one would expect, the results varied owing to the cleanliness of the crack, the ability of the block weld to access the crack and the severity of the crack, etc. Of course, I don't recommend doing that nowadays but it may work if one wanted to save the block for whatever reason. Then too, recently the price of scrap metal has gone up so much that previously easy found good used blocks have pretty much dried up. Well, in some parts of the country, at least. dance

As to the term "freeze plugs", it doesn't bother me all that much. It's just a common term here where I am and its enough for me just to know their real intent. I'm trying to think of other terms that are common but technically incorrect but can't think of any right now. Maybe, "water pump?" but not sure of the definition of "pump." Oh, well... whatever. Anyone know of any? stressed
Charlie computer

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,135
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,135
The term "Water PUMP",in referring to a automobile, is another misnomer. That thingy is not a "PUMP" at all but in reality a "IMPELLER". But again that term "Water PUMP" is so ingrained in the language that if you walked into a auto parts store and told the person waiting on you that you needed a new "impeller" for your car he/she would look at you like you had two heads. The definition of the word "pump", according to the dictionary, could include the action of a "Impeller" Because is moves water along but a pump is mainly used to raise liquid to a level higher then it could normally flow to on it's own.
This post all boils down to a guy like me who is retired and has allot of time on his hands to think of stupid stuff like this and uses his computer to speak of it without risking being called a nut cake if he talked about this stuff to his neighbors.......ED


I was only wrong one time in my life so far. But that time I was right, and only thought I was wrong....ED
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 62
Charlie,
Don't have any problem with water pump because that is exactly what it is doing moving water at a rate higher than without it.

Now "wheel base"? What exactly is that? To me the wheel base is the ground.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
Ed, I do think you have a problem, and I bet a lot of folks wished they had it. For therapy have you ever thought of buying another old car or truck, and requesting that the boss give you about 6 hours of unsupervised time each day, with a garage and budget to match your whims!!! Best wishes, Mike


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
...I said I "cringe"...I didn't say I correct ( oh , brother , why bother )...While we're on that subject , how about "disc" and "rotor"...


1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475

If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
5 members (Bishop, Chev Nut, THH, bowtiefan, 1 invisible), 82 guests, and 33 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,071
Posts429,069
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5