Freeze plugs..removal and installation

[jgines]

I just received a freeze plug kit today from another board member. Ive never changed any freeze plugs before. As I am new to the GNs And wanted to ask you a few questions.

The kit came with the following. 4 small and 4 big gold colored. 2 big silver ones and 2 small silver ones. then the two pieces that have threads.
What are the 2 big and 2 small silver ones for, and where do they go?

What are the threaded pieces for, and where do they go?

What are the 4 big and 4 small gold colored ones for, and Where do they go?

How do you remove the old ones?
how do you install the new ones?

If anybody out there can help please do so. Once that is done I will finally be able to drive my GN after months of just seeing it just sit in my driveway.

Everyones time and help is greatly appreciated. Thank You .

 

[buickpower]

I believe the largest 4 are the ones that go on the sides of the block, 2 per side. To remove these just take a flat screwdriver and hammer, place the screwdriver near the outside edge and tap it until it moves. If you are careful one side will sink in and the other side will pop out, sort of pivoting in the center. Then when popped out enough you can grab them with pliers and pull them out. When putting the new ones in, i like to place the freeze plug over where it is going to go in, then put a board or something flat behind it and tap with a mallet just until flush. Just take your time so you don't pound them in to far and they fall in the block, although if you use the board, that should not happen.

As far as the other plugs, I am not sure offhand where they go, but there are some small ones that go in the heads, check around the block to see if the sizes match. The threaded ones may be the oil plugs, and i don't know where they go, i think it is in the front of the block, can somebody jump in on this?

 

[mybuick]

it would be easer to pull the engine to do the plugs. because to swing a hammer without hitting the frame. and there is some in the back of the motor

there is 3 screw plugs and and the cam plug in the back of the motor. with the cam plug you can't use the pound in and pull out because the cam is right behind there. some how you have to pull it out compleatly. mabe try to collapse the outer part and pull the plug out. also behind the cam gear on the front of the motor there is 2 screw plugs there. you will have to grind the new ones to make room for the cam gear to rotate properly. while you are at the timing chain see if the cam button as been changed to the updated version with a roller bearing.

it will be a big job but take your time and do it right i would expect a few days to get er done.

 

[Lee Thompson]

plugs

If the eng. is in the car, you may be able to install a couple of the 4 large brass ones only. I believe to install the other 2 large ones you will have to remove the 2 motor mounts.
4 large brass (1 1/2 in. dia.) --2 on each side of block
4 small brass (1 1/8 in. dia.)---go inside bell housing on rear of block. (trans has to be removed
2 large silver (only 1 will fit your car) goes at rear of cam. 84 used one size --87 uses the other one. Again trans must be removed
2 threaded ones go in rear of block to plug rear of oil gally. Again trans must be out.
2 silver ones go in front of block to plug front of oil galley ( front cover must be removed)
Let us know how many you get in.

 

[jgines]

Thank you guys for all the help. You all have been a very very informative and thorough.Thanks again

 

[jgines]

Forgot one thing. Can any regular car shop do this or would I be better off doing this myself. Im a new to the GN but have worked on motors before. The thing is I dont have the equipment such as a cherry picker to pull out the motor. What should I do. Go to a shop and hope they dont F@#!* it up. Or rent what I need from an auto store and get busy. Im located in San Jose CA and cant seem to find a shop that have experience with the GN. Please give me your honest opinion.

 

[Lee Thompson]

Why?

Why are you changing freeze plugs? Some info would help. Are all of them leaking?

 

[jgines]

Leaking water/coolant right above oil pan area. so I figured if im going to change one might as well do all, to have reassurance. I believe the previous owner did not tell me everything plus I know for a fact that he abused the vehicle while it was in his possession. The bottom line is I want the car to be in perfect running condition and not have to worry about anything going bad.

 

[buickpower]

when i first answered the thread, I had assumed that you already had the engine out. Like was mentioned, changing all the freeze plugs would be a heck of a lot easier when the engine is pulled. If you want the car to be in perfect running order, and you are certain that the previous owner beat the snot out of it, then maybe you should consider a rebuild? Is this car your daily driver or just a play car that can afford some down time?

 

[jgines]

Sorry, but I forgot to mention that the previous owner also told me that it already had a rebuild. But I really dont trust the guy. he was a young guy probably 21-22. Im young myself being only 24. But I know a thing or two about cars and have always been a big fan of the GN ever since my uncle got one in 89.anyways enough about me. To answer the rebuild question. I work practically 7 days a week. the few hours in the morning on the weekends is when I usually work on the car. I do what I can with the tools I got. But dont have the equipment to do a motor rebuild, plus Im a novice the GN but have worked on engines before but only small/big block chevy motors. As of right now the car is just sitting in my driveway because I started work two days after I got it. With me working 7 days a week is the reason why I am looking for a reputable shop in my area that has experiance with the GNs. When completed the car will be a daily driver and will also see some track time maybe once or twice a month hopefully. My friends dad has a shop but they strictly work with chevys and have only a slightly to no experience with the GNs. If I left anything out feel free to ask.Thanks Again guys for all your help.

 

[Lee Thompson]

?

If the eng. is GOOD, why not take it to any shop to fix the leak. Does not have to be some who only knows GN. Are you sure it is not coming from the heater valve or hose @ the heater core. Sounds like you need to put it on a lift, find what is actually leaking before buying parts and worrying. Best of luck.

 

[jgines]

Thanks for the help and advice Lee.