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MG MGA - Freeze Plugs

Well, I was on my way to my second show in Peddelers Village Pa, US and got half way there only to see my Temp gauge spike. Opened the hood to see coolant pouring from a freese plug. Limped back home sooo disapointed. I found that the plug did not have a hole but rather was just popping out! I did push it back in tight, but by this time it was to late to travel several hours to the show. Question, What holds these pulgs in? If I replace them is there a sealent that needs to be applied? I drove around the rest of the day with no evidence of any leaking, but if I run it hard on the freeway could it blow out again?
Thanks for your help guy's!


WMR Bill

Never mind! Just got off Barny's Site. Wealth of information. Don't no why i didn't look there first!
Thanks
WMR Bill

It is misleading to call these plugs "freeze plugs". It gives the idea that engine blocks and heads will be saved from freezing damage by these plugs. This is not so, engines without anti-freeze in the coolant will be damaged by freezing.
These plugs are "core plugs", used in the casting process to remove the sand core that was used to form the water passages in the casting.

Mick
Mick Anderson

I think it depends on which side of the ditch or pond you live - they are often called "welsh plugs" in Australia, maybe that's because they need to be tight - perhaps "scottish plugs" may be more apted!
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Shouldn't that be Welch plug?

If I've got it right the Welch plug is the name for the domed disc type you hit with a hammer. Core plug is more generic and includes other types such as cup plugs that can be used to fill the hole.

I've had the back one come out and trying to put that back at the side of the road is classed as "interesting" and that is after searching the road to find it. As usual, carrying a spare is a good way to stop them coming out.

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

Hi Bill,
What you need to carry around is the Quickseal expanding core plug. I had a core plug blow out on my GT some years ago when I was doing 70 mph - a loud bang and a smell of antifreeze - I guessed what had happened and as my destination was only 2 miles away I carried on, using mainly the momentum, and just made it as the oil was starting to fry. Break down truck back and a new core plug that was a devil of a job to hit home.
Last year I chatted with a fellow MGA owner whose rear core plug had blown - as Malcolm says - try getting that back in with the engine in situ - it was then that I discovered these core plugs through this BBS at the recommendation of Barney et al and ordered 5 from Rockauto in USA ( 5 was the minimum order) for around $20 plus shipping -I always carry one with me now but I still have a couple spare if anyone wants one - see our club website - www.westlancsmg.co.uk - for photos in the For Sale and the Tool Box sections.
cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

You are correct Malcolm - we Aussies have corrupted the English language again! Origin of term Welch plug can be found on this site http://holdenpaedia.oldholden.com/Welch_Plug
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

This thread was discussed between 15/10/2007 and 16/10/2007

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