how the h*ll do I get my freeze plug out!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

240diowa · #1 11-20-2005, 04:38 PM

I have a 78 300D in excellent shape and low miles, car came from Texas. I live in Iowa and thought it would be good to install a block heater. I raised the car and removed steering components so I can access the plug from the bottom. Using a 4' cheater bar I'm unable to loosen the plug (can't get enough swing). I then found I was able to access the plug with my 600 ft-lb impact wrench, no luck. I thought I may be able to get better access from the top so I decided to remove the intake manifold. In order to do this I have to remove the bracket for the AC, in order to remove the bracket I have to remove the fan pulley, the bolts holding the pulley have been rounded....don't know what to do....any ideas???

#2 11-20-2005, 04:43 PM

If you are unable to get the plug out, you may have to go with an in-line heater for your lower radiator hose.

boneheaddoctor · #3 11-20-2005, 04:47 PM

I took the manifolds off and did it from above for that very reason......but actually becasue I lack access to a lift.

240diowa · #4 11-20-2005, 05:34 PM

I thought about the in -line heaters but didn't think they would be very effective. does anybody know if they work well??

MercedesRover · #5 11-20-2005, 05:51 PM

Those things come out HARD! Your best bet would be from the top with the manifolds off. You can also try breaking it loose with an air chisel...Just be careful! That's how I did my last one.

Brian Carlton · #6 11-20-2005, 05:57 PM

The bolts for the fan pulley are rounded because someone used an open end wrench on them. They did this because you can't fit a standard box wrench over them. So, get out your large vice grips and remove them and toss them out. Get new one's from the dealer. Then take a box wrench (10 mm??) and grind the end of the wrench so that the wall is very thin. Now you have the proper tool for the job, whenever you need to do the fan.

I also think that heat will be your friend with regard to that freeze plug. Get an oxy-aceteleyne torch and heat the block all around the plug until it's hot. Then, don't waste any time and lean into that wrench. 600 ft.-lbs should do it, if the block is hot in that area. The impact wrench would also be helpful.

pawoSD · #7 11-20-2005, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240diowa

I thought about the in -line heaters but didn't think they would be very effective. does anybody know if they work well??

They work excellently. I have one, and it was 16 out the other day and I glowed 5 seconds, turned the key, and it started in ONE crank and was running smooth and happy like when the engine is still warm from being driven, except in this case, the heat was from my lower radiator heater.

It uses 372 watts according to my Kill-o-watt meter I have it connected to. To date I've only used about 4.96 kilowatts running it on several occasions (for a long time, usually overnight)

They are very easy to install, and very worth it, they keep the front of the car warm! no snow can form on the grill/front of the hood etc... and you have heat within a minute of starting the car.

240diowa · #8 11-20-2005, 07:52 PM

So then the in line hose heater heats the coolant in the radiator as well as the block. I guess I always thought that there would be too much heat loss via the radiator to be able to heat the engine well. Where did you get your heater??

t walgamuth · #9 11-20-2005, 09:38 PM

where there is a lift and use the 6' cheater bar with 3/4 drive sockets. if that doesnt work get an 8' bar.
judicious application of heat will help too. dont set the grease on fire.

tom w

pawoSD · #10 11-20-2005, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240diowa

So then the in line hose heater heats the coolant in the radiator as well as the block. I guess I always thought that there would be too much heat loss via the radiator to be able to heat the engine well. Where did you get your heater??

Do a search for "block heater" on www.**************.com

He has a kit for installing it, includes a pre-cut hose, heater, and instructions.....for like $54 or something. very good deal!

240diowa · #11 11-21-2005, 11:37 AM

I'm afraid I may crack my block by trying to get the freeze plug out. Thinking about switching to a tank heater. Anybody know the best location and hose hook-ups for one of these??

Old300D · #12 11-21-2005, 01:08 PM

Yep, I had trouble getting that ba$tard out too, and I had the engine on a stand. It took heat and 6' of cheater.

t walgamuth · #13 11-21-2005, 01:16 PM

worry about breaking your block.

give it hell!

tom w

boneheaddoctor · #14 11-21-2005, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

worry about breaking your block.

give it hell!

tom w

Supenman may crack the block..by tightening it more....but us mere mortals are not likely to crack it by removing it.

Pete Burton · #15 11-21-2005, 02:26 PM

give it heat, PB blaster and enough torque! If you get this close and wuss out, you'll always know you didn't do it right. The in-block heater is the best way to do it.