Best way to remove freeze plug?

[DLMaine01]

Hi All
Just got a engine block heater for my L2250 Kubota tractor. It is the factory freeze plug type. How do I remove the freeze plug from the block? Also they recommend that it be installed in the center plug, well that is behind my starter which I would rather not remove unless necessary. So how critical is it to have it in the center plug?
I am hopeing that this hepls me start a little easier here with the cold Maine winters although the old girl started every time I asked her to last winter, and we set some records for cold. Thanks for any help /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[moeh1]

I put a block heater in a Chevy years ago. My friend actually pulled the old one, I think he put a hole in it with a chisel and pulled it out, I'd wait for more experienced advice there. The question on the recommended spot also got me, I tried a different spot first - easier to get to. Turned out the water jacket wasn't as deep there and it wouldn't fit - I'd recommend you go with what the factory says.

 

[HGM]

To remove the freeze plug, you should take a chissel or something of the sort, hammer it at one side to allosw it to turn into the block. Once it has turned sideways you should be able to pull it out with a pair of pliers or pry it out.

As for the location, its true, you ,may run into a clearence issue. However being a small engine, you may be fine installing it in an easier hole, just try to stay as close as possible to the middle of the block. I would try the easy one first, you may have to buy a new plug, if it doesnt fit.

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( they recommend that it be installed in the center plug, well that is behind my starter which I would rather not remove unless necessary. So how critical is it to have it in the center plug? )</font>

DLMaine01,
Ditto the information you've been given already. There's a reason that Kubota wants the heater there, most probably because in a central location it will provide more even heating (and not create a problem like a hot spot in the cylinder wall while in the cooling stage). It shouldn't be a big deal to remove the starter and install it in the center plug.
I'd probably have the dealer install it.
If you do it, good luck.

 

[GaryE]

David,

If you don’t have a chisel, a flat head screwdriver and hammer will do. The plugs are soft. Just make sure you clean out the block before you install the heater. If you need any help. Let me know….

Good luck,

Gary

 

[Egon]

Have you considered the possibility of swithing to an inline heater. May be easier to install for your situation. Bothe work equally well.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DLMaine01]

Thanks for the info guys. I did some measuring last night and I do not think there is enough room behind the starter for the heater anyway so I will try the forward(easier) posistion. Although I agree you would get better heat distribution from the center posistion. This heater fits about 20 different Kubota models so the directions are pretty general.
I am useing this type of heater over an inline heater because the dealer recommended it and it is the type supplied by Kubota.
I have put off installing it for a few days because I decided to replace both lower radiator hoses while the system is drained.
Thanks again.
Dave

 

[Ranch_Hand_Supp]

Dave, Just try to keep in mind you do not want to scratch or mark the metal where the freeze plug seals to the block. Sometimes the freeze plugs are hard to knock through into the water jacket or to get them to twist and then sometimes not.

Sometimes if I can get to it, I will take a impact socket that fits the plug inside with a little slop that will allow the taper of the plug to collapse when I hit it with heavy hammer. Then I like to take some emery cloth and clean the sealing area and lube with antifreeze.

Ronald

 

[Soundguy]

I sometimes lube the FP with a microscopic smear of hi-temp rtv when i reinstall them.

I've also always used the screwdriver method for removal.

Soundguy

 

[DLMaine01]

Thanks for the info Ronald and Soundguy. The directions that came with the heater spec Locktite to help seal it to block. Would you recommend this?
Dave