Rubber freeze plugs?

Rock1127 · 08-15-2005, 08:04 PM

I got my Jeep back friday and was told that they could not find the right size freeze plug for my jeep, so they put a rubber freeze plug in it. What are the downsides to rubber freeze plugs? They made it sound like it's a bad thing.

"We had to put in a rubber one"

What's the main difference between a rubber freeze plug and the original (besides the obvious)?

Just kind of wondering.

Also, an update on the overheating situation. My dad was able to talk the shop into us ONLY paying labor for what they did. They replaced a few sensors and the freeze plug and fixed the radiator, etc. We just paid the labor cost. That's better than paying for everything, though.

Brian's 97 ZJ · 08-15-2005, 10:53 PM

Maybe I'm crazy, but I've never heard of a rubber freeze plug.

I wouldn't think that a rubber plug could resist the heat and pressure.

Think about going to another shop.

- Brian

Ronnie4283 · 08-15-2005, 10:57 PM

I'm a mechanic and I've never heard of such. I unno bout that...

**Double E** · 08-16-2005, 07:57 AM

I would have accepted it with the caveat that you find the right plug (dealer?) and they put it in n/c.

Rubber freeze plugs sound as usefull as a screen door on a submarine.

Rock1127 · 08-16-2005, 02:27 PM

After some research and asking around, it seems that pretty much only southern mechanics have ever heard of rubber freeze plugs. They are pretty much not used in the north because of the extreme cold temperatures that render them pretty useless. Here in Georgia, the lowest it gets in winter is MAYBE 30 degrees, with most of the coldest days being around 40. They are able to be put in without removing the block, and they withstand the pressure of the coolant system. Although rubber, they feel extremely hard, almost like an incredibly hard plastic. I had no idea that no one would have heard of them.

The reason a rubber freeze plug was put in was because they couldn't find the original freeze plug, even at the local Chrysler dealer.

chicagoanalog · 02-09-2010, 07:25 AM

Some donkey put a rubber freeze plug in my 4.0. Noticed coolant pouring out of my block the other day and I replaced it over the weekend with a brass plug. Nearly lost my sh*t when I saw that it was rubber. Come on! Common sense? Maybe this flies south of the macon dixon, but for those of you that live anywhere above the frost line, do yourself a favor and get the brass plugs. Also, lots of instances of block heaters (also with rubber plugs) also leaking and/or blowing out. Just do your research.

sdowney717 · 02-09-2010, 07:43 AM

I prefer solid metal plugs but,
um, rubber freeze plug is made of a medium hardness rubber and has a nut on it. When you tighten the nut it expands the rubber against the hole. Then the inner rubber expands and it locked in tightly. The only way it could come out is if the nut comes loose or the rubber fails or it is the wrong size rubber plug for the hole or If the block freezes solid. I have only used them twice in my life and they held fine. they would be better than a loose fitting metal plug.

**ratmonkey** · 02-09-2010, 08:08 AM

how could you not find the correct freeze plugs? there's only a few basic sizes of plugs in all motors...

cmonson · 02-09-2010, 08:09 AM

freeze plugs are available for I would bet, every vehicle on the road.

Get a new mechanic.

what year of Jeep and engine size?

Mike1084 · 02-09-2010, 08:14 AM

I used rubber freeze plugs, (expansion plugs), in a 350 SBC when I lived in Colorado. Never had a problem. They hold up just fine.

gamudslinger88 · 02-09-2010, 08:21 AM

Im from Georgia and I have been turning wrenches for quite some time and I have never heard of a rubber freeze plug. You must be from south Georgia. Its getting 28* tonight but for the most part we do only get mid 20s for the lows here in Macon.

sdowney717 · 02-09-2010, 11:15 AM

Freeze Plug - Rubber Expansion by Motormite - Part 02605 - Advance Auto Parts

If the block freezes, I think a rubber plug would be harder for the ice to move than a metal plug.

So were freeze plugs really designed for freezing or are they just casting plugs for cleaning access to the water chamber.
I mean will a 'freeze' plug really keep the block- head from cracking?

**xJoshxx** · 02-09-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdowney717

Freeze Plug - Rubber Expansion by Motormite - Part 02605 - Advance Auto Parts

If the block freezes, I think a rubber plug would be harder for the ice to move than a metal plug.

So were freeze plugs really designed for freezing or are they just casting plugs for cleaning access to the water chamber.
I mean will a 'freeze' plug really keep the block- head from cracking?

yep that's what there designed water expands when turning to ice so the excess force pops the plugs out instead of cracking the block,

sdowney717 · 02-09-2010, 11:22 AM

AUTO,TRUCK FREEZE PLUG, CAR COOLING SYSTEM REPAIRS BY ECONOMECHANIX

found this, claims blocks can crack anyway. I had 2 engines freeze on me, and they survived by popping out the plugs. Not all the plugs came out.

a video showing a poorly fitted freeze plug. Some of these plugs come in fractions of 1/64th inch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cIf3tNNxoo&feature=related

Falkon · 02-09-2010, 11:42 AM

Isn't the opening filled w/ a freeze plug something needed in making the original casting of the block ?

08-16-2005, 02:27 PM	#5
Rock1127 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 131 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	After some research and asking around, it seems that pretty much only southern mechanics have ever heard of rubber freeze plugs. They are pretty much not used in the north because of the extreme cold temperatures that render them pretty useless. Here in Georgia, the lowest it gets in winter is MAYBE 30 degrees, with most of the coldest days being around 40. They are able to be put in without removing the block, and they withstand the pressure of the coolant system. Although rubber, they feel extremely hard, almost like an incredibly hard plastic. I had no idea that no one would have heard of them. The reason a rubber freeze plug was put in was because they couldn't find the original freeze plug, even at the local Chrysler dealer.

02-09-2010, 08:09 AM	#9
cmonson Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Columbus Posts: 1,549 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	freeze plugs are available for I would bet, every vehicle on the road. Get a new mechanic. what year of Jeep and engine size?