VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 33 Master freeze plugs

I have a 33 Master with the 207 cu in engine.
I want to remove the freeze plug on the side of the block and also the baffle plate behind the water pump in order to flush the block. Are there any other freeze plugs to remove?
What is the best way to remove both and can they be re-used?

Also, if I remove the head, can I re-use the copper gasket I installed a year ago?

Thanks to all...
Doug

Hi Doug,

I will let a ‘33 expert answer about the core plugs.

I strongly recommend that you do not reuse the copper head gasket. You might remember that the gasket had stamped or raised impressions in it when new. The idea is that as you tighten the gasket those raised areas are compressed to help seal between the head and block.

So basically you have “used” those features to seal the head to the block. When you remove the head you will see that those areas are flattened and will not raise as you remove the clamp force.

The other point is that copper “work hardens” as you stress it. This means that it loses its flexibility when a load is applied. Perhaps the best example of this is trying to reuse a copper sealing washer in the brake system. The old washer has been work hardened and will not conform the the surfaces and seal.

I would not even think of reusing any of the parts mentioned.

Not positive but I believe there is a freeze plug on the LH rear of the block possibly under the bell housing. As far as re-using probably impossible for the freeze plugs and I would not re-use the head gasket either,

Thanks to all for the above replies.
But can anyone advise the best way to remove the freeze plug and baffle plate?

Doug

drill a hole and pry it out.

Great answer!