427 Side Oiler Freeze plug removal

[Danny FE]

Hello - I am new to the forum and looking for some advice. I recently got my 427 side oiler block back from the machine shop and I am wondering if someone can help me figure out where I can get a Hex driver big enough to get the screw in freeze plugs out. I wanted to replace them with some new ones and give the threads a good cleaning and inspection before I build the engine. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[ERA Chas]

From Barry Rabotnick's book: get a nut that fits the inner hex of the plug and weld it to a deep 1/2" socket. Apply ratchet and unscrew.

Barry's whole book would be a big help to you-look for 'Survival Motorsports'.

[blykins]

You can also do it without welding...

Run to the hardware store, buy a bolt that has a head big enough to fit into the hex part of the freeze plug. Then buy two nuts to fit the bolt. Put the head of the bolt down into the freeze plug, then run the two nuts down on the shank of the bolt and lock them together. Then you can use a wrench on the bottom nut to loosen the freeze plug.

You can also buy a short length of steel hex bar that fits down into the freeze plug. Then you can use a ratchet and socket on the hex bar.

[BBQCYCLEWERKES]

Also, be careful as I have seen quite a few of the plugs seized due to age and such. If seized, take a butane torch and heat up around the screw in plug. Don't apply the heat to the plug, just the block around it. This will expand the block slightly at the plug and the plug should be able to screw out without as much effort or damage. Best of luck.

[rustyBob]

Call the machine shop and ask him why he didnt do that for you.....
most machine shops will remove the plugs when they "cook" the block
to get the rust and other gunk out of the water passages..

[Danny FE]

Thanks for the help and tips. I am also considering selling this block if anyone is interested send me a message. I'll post it with some pictures in the classified section if a few days.