freeze plugs & O/F housings

[Stevo]

I pulled the freeze plugs (all 5) on the 616 engine I am rebuilding and the engine manual says to "install the new ones with sealant". It looks to be a PIA to go back and fix a leak AFTER the engine is installed so what would be the best "goo" to use for this job?

My other question is one I asked before, but as I am getting closer to the "swap date", thought I would try again..... If I wanted to dispense with the oil cooler and not use the Euro o/f housing (without the holes tapped for the lines) could I simply CAP OFF the female threaded holes in the oil filter housing or must I do something additional ? There is a discussion about oil coolers in the archives but nothing specific about how to do it "for sure". I will keep the O/C if I cant figure out how to make the modifications to the old housing. OR maybe someone has a Euro O/F housing to trade for a good cooler and lines.

[Brad123D]

Either the pliable, non-hardening Permatex form-a-gasket 2B or the hardening type works well for the plugs. Make sure the block holes are very clean. As you know, you wouldn't want one of these to leak.

I'm not sure of all your details here(Euro/Non-euro?) but I can say for sure that with the standard 615/617 oil filter housing you should not plug the lines without removing the oil cooler thermostat or at high temps it will restrict oil flow to the engine.

[billrok]

I use high-temp black silicone gasket maker on freeze plugs. Works fine for me. Surfaces very clean and dry.

[pberku]

Mercedes specifies the following:


1) Thoroughly clean core hole

2) Spray sealing surface with activator

3) Coat core hole with Loctite 241 adhesive compound sealant

4) Knock in new core hole plug with insertion drift until flush (CAUTION: The sealant must harden for about 45 minutes before pouring in coolant

5) Pour in coolant

6) Run engine and check cooling system for leaks

[Brad123D]

My service manual specifies: MB part# 002 989 94 71 for the plugs.

Any product that lists core plugs as a potential use should work.

[Stevo]

Thanks for the freeze plug sealant info. Actually one of the plugs was close to being rusted through on the inside so its good I pulled them.

Brad123D

"(Euro/Non-euro?) " The Euro 240Ds were not equipped with oil coolers. I have changed a couple of cars but have used the Euro oil filter housing, no threaded holes. So you are saying to just take the thermostat out, that makes sense. I should have looked closely at the Euro ones to see what the difference is.

Thanks for all the feed back.....Steve

[leathermang]

I would certainly look for solid brass freeze plugs to install this time....

[Stevo]

solid brass

I had a hard enough time finding the reguler kind

[leathermang]

Then across the inner section which almost rusted through... I would really clean it and put something like epoxy paint... or coat with a thin coat of JBWeld...