The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Too Many Freeze/Expansion Plugs in my kit?

Hello,

I'm rebuilding a 1956 235, and I'm installing the new freeze plugs that came in my kit, and I have a question. I have an extra concave plug, which is the same size as the top plug on the back. I also have four threaded plugs that are about the same size as the oil galley plugs. Are they for an earlier model?

In all, I have installed four oil galley plugs, a huge plug behind the cam, another plug on the back, one on the front, and two under the intake/exhaust manifolds. Am I missing any?

Thanks, Vince

Got the same kit Vince - and yes, extras for another engine configuration. Much like the gasket kits come with multiple valve cover and oil pan gaskets.

That's what I figured, thanks!

I have to say, "universal" kits are really frustrating. Felpro doesn't bother to include a key/legend to their gasket kit, so I feel like I'm just making a guess most of the time based upon what fits. I bet I only used 1/2 their overhaul kit, it seems like they'd save a ton of money by creating a more specialized 235 kit.

By the way, thank you for taking such detailed pictures of your tear-down. I've referred to your pics a few times, it seems like the pictures I take are never the ones I need... LOL

I'm still putting mine together this week and I'm questioning the difference between thermostat gaskets, muffler gaskets and countless others I can't identify!

And you're welcome. There's a couple of photo's I've missed that I wish I had taken as well.

Will you be painting your 235?

I painted mine "Ford Grey", as I read somewhere it's fairly close to the grey a 1959 would have been, and I hate to pay shipping charges. The valve cover, side cover, bell, and fan are black. I have the head on, but found out last night I painted the wrong side of the side cover after I tried to install it. FYI, the lip on the outside is NOT to hold a gasket on, and the bulge goes out... LOL

My kit came with an exhaust donut and a flange gasket. Are you using the donut, gasket, or both?

LOL! Thanks, I found that amusing! I guess since I took it apart I had an idea of how it went on, but now I'll smile as I attach mine.

I'm painting mine once its completely assembled (less the starter, gen pump etc)

My original setup used the donut, so I guess I'll use that again. I haven't given it thought really!

I also went with the neoprene seal over the rope. My kit came with both. And I'll be going light on the sealant when I apply the gaskets as the ones on there were a b*$%h to take off!

I'm using a copper head gasket, so I kinda wanted to be able to see it sticking out, so I painted before assembly.

That's funny about the seal, I originally installed the rope, because I thought I read that you couldn't use the neoprene in motors older than 1959. Then I read your post about it, and re-looked at the packaging. Out went the rope! Luckily, I was able to make the switch right before I installed the oil pan. Which is a PITA. FYI, I put the cork down on the block first, then the rubber end gaskets, then the pan on. I've read to put the gasket on the pan, but I don't know how you would do that unless you try to stick the end gaskets to the pan too...

I'm with you on seeing the gaskets non painted - So I still have my old gaskets that I'll use to paint the engine, and then reassemble with the new gaskets! Seems like overhead, but I do like the look of the finished product. The felpro instructions say to dress both sides of the metal gasket - what did you use?

As for the gasket installation, that's exactly how I plan to proceed as well.

I used Copper Coat,

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=KW_401612_0006406066

I sprayed it on both sides, waited a few minutes, sprayed it on again, and set it down. The stuff is REALLY sticky, I'm thinking it'll seal pretty well.

You're much more patient than me. It would kill me to assemble the whole thing just to paint, and then tear-down/reassemble. It seems so much easier to just mask and paint, but to each their own. I'm sure both ways have positives/negatives.

On another note, are you replacing the hoses from the water pump to the heater? If so, with what? I can't seem to find any suitable rubber hose at any of my local FLAPS...

When I goto paint, I wont install all the head bolts inside the valve cover, and wont torque it down. Same goes with the valve cover. Perhaps an extra hour I hope!

I had replaced the hoses yes while it was still running. I'll have to check, but I'm sure I just used 5/8" or 3/4" heater hose... (can't recall the size) North of the border we have Canadian Tire stores, that's where I got it by the foot. I'm sure it's available just as easy down there.