Freeze plugs for 65 289 question

[DRGT350]

Forum experts -

Were there any markings on the freeze plugs ?  Was the material brass or steel?


thanks again in advance for your help and knowledge !

Dave

[Bob Gaines]

Forum experts -

Were there any markings on the freeze plugs ?  Was the material brass or steel?


thanks again in advance for your help and knowledge !

Dave

Steel freeze plugs . A diamond shape is a very common one used on the assemblyline. The thing is sometimes the makers mark was stamped on the reverse side from what you can see once installed . Just because it is blank doesn't mean that a replacements has been been installed. FYI knowing what was used originally is a plus however FYI typically the marks are not considered one way or the other unless in SAAC Premiere or MCA Throughbred. 

[mygt350]

+1

[mygt350]

I assume the freeze pjugs were installed in block and heads before engine assembly was painted?

[mygt350]

When the freeze plugs were installed at factory, was any sealer used?

[J_Speegle]

When the freeze plugs were installed at factory, was any sealer used?

Would have to look at the original engine build paperwork. If so you would not be able to see it on the fully assembled and painted engine

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As to the other part of the subject

To expound on Bob's comment about competing in classes other than SAAC Premiere or MCA Throughbred or an unrestored class one way of "getting by" is to fill or remove a marking before you paint the engine. It will look as if the paint filled in it during the paint job

If your going for originality often painted did a single pass with the spray gun leaving bare metal, shadows or thin paint in pocket areas. Of course there are those times and examples where the worker would coat the engine more.

Most visible are the two on the front surfaces of the heads pointing forward

[DRGT350]

thanks again Bob and Jeff for the information -

[mygt350]

If you look close, u can see the diamond imprint in the side of the freeze plug that shows.

[gt350hr]

   Ford Racing     M6026-A302 still used the diamond stamped steel plugs. As Bob said "some" were stamped ( and still are) on the inside.  I had to buy four sets one time to get ten externally stamped plugs a few years back. "I" would be tempted to do the ends of the heads that show.
   There isn't allot of evidence on heads ( assembled elsewhere in the engine plant) but it is common ( especially on non painted "service blocks" to see some excess Ford "perfect sealer" compound on the block plugs. Well at least in my observations over the last 55 years.
    Randy

[J_Speegle]

Inside the diamond stamp is the "markers mark" of MP. Often you can find service replacement ones for sale. Always need to check to make sure they are the correct size for your application

[mygt350]

These have the MP diamond mark. But have to really look close. Very light imprint.

[gt350hr]

   Common. I tried "Michigan Plug" and couldn't get anywhere. It obvious MP doesn't respect our need for concours stamped plugs LMAO.

[mygt350]

The Diamond MP stamping on these plugs is so light, a thin coat of engine paint would completely fill all markings.

[J_Speegle]

The Diamond MP stamping on these plugs is so light, a thin coat of engine paint would completely fill all markings.

Just depends on how hard they were struck and how much paint was applied how much of the design is visible. Have been able to make them out on many original engines. Just my experience

Know a number of guys that took the time to have a stamp made to reproduce the look rather than try and collect or purchase service replacements

[CharlesTurner]

I've only seen the light stamping and the stamping on the back side on the Ford replacement ones.  All the originals I've come across look like Jeff's pics.

I saw one other variation of a diamond with "1 1/2" inside the diamond, but guessing these were aftermarket replacements.  They were the right shape/design though.

Originals probably had a light sealer applied to the block before installation.  I always use at least a little sealer and wipe off any excess.