how to remove the round metal cups at the engine side

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:48 pm

How to remove the round metalcups in the engine, the ones wich close the waterjacket round the cylinders. one of the four is leaking, the one above the starter. Is there a trick for this jpb

Erik

Sal · Post by **Sal** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:13 pm

Erik,
You basically have to drive it into the block but place more effort on one side. This way the plug will twist sideways and once it is almost thru, grab it with a pair of pliers or vice-grips and pull it back out of the block. Take your time, clean the surface of the block and apply a gasket type sealer to both the block and the new plug before you install it. Use a large diameter pipe or socket when you install the new plug to keep it straight and tap it in until it is flush with the surface of the block.

Sal

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:17 pm

Thanks,

Always nice to have some info before i start

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:29 am

Now i know, they are called freeze plugs...

Sal · Post by **Sal** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 2:14 pm

Erik,
I was going to give you the name: freeze plug, but i thought it might confuse you. Hope the information was useful. Just take your time--it is not a hard job at all. I also suggest you use gaset sealer that hardens--not the silicon rubber RTV type.

BTW: How far are you from Brussels? I may have to travel there in November and was just wondering.
Sal

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:28 pm

sorry for the late answer, i was a few weeks in holiday.

It is about 35 km from Brussels, near Antwerp

During 8 september until end september i am in holiday to.

This evening i am going to replace the freeze plug.
I think I better remove the starter first.

Erik

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:46 am

Freeze plugs. OK. I always thought they were for
removing casting sand.

Jim in Darkest Arkansas

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:38 pm

Yes they are expansion plugs (also known as welsh plugs) used to fill the casting core holes which are often called freeze plugs because in some cases they will pop and relieve pressure on the block when water in it freezes.

Disc's are called expansion plugs

Holes are casting core holes.

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 11:38 pm

I replaced one, was easy to fix. I read some info on the mb/GPW G503 forum.

Wes thanks for the explanation.

Meanwhile my restored M38 in 2005 still runs fine, so far no problems !

The mutt solidstate build in ignition, still works great.

Antwerp <> Brussels = 22 miles

Erik