Freeze Plugs

which are better Rockauto "sealed Power #3818013http://www.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockauto.com%2Finfo%2FSealedPower%2F3818013_ANG.jpg&imagekey=209302-0&width=450
or DORMAN EXPANSION PLUG, BRASS auto parts warehouse

they look the same and rockauto is cheeper by 3$

Brass is usually best. Worth the extra cost. Steel will rust eventually.

Duane in Tennessee

I have coolant leaks coming from the smaller core plugs under the exhaust manifold as well as leaks coming from the larger core plugs below. I've attached an image with the two sizes circled (I understand this image is of a 200ci). Anyone know the diameter of the two 144ci core plug sizes?

For the 144 and 170 engine:

The small ones in the head are part # C8DZ 6026-A, 1.012" O.D.

The larger ones in the block are part # 7HA 6266-B, 2.154" I.D.

They make oversize plugs, in case the hole is worn out. Be sure to measure yours, in case your block has been modified in the past to accept oversize cup plugs.

Here is a drawing of the 144/170 engine.

Always use the BRASS!! freeze Plugs!! sealant on them also. troubles like this gone!!

I was fighting the 1.012" O.D. freeze plugs # C8DZ 6026-A. They were a bitch to get in and didn't hold well when I popped them back out.


I ended up using these instead:

small core plugs:
- Dorman # 565-017
- Open End Diameter: 1.01"
- Closed End Diameter: 1.002"
- http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemdetail.aspx?ProductID=11845&SEName=565-017

large core plugs:
- Dorman # 555-034
- Open End Diameter: 1.764"
- Closed End Diameter: 1.751"
- http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemdetail.aspx?ProductID=28206&SEName=555-034

These fit like a glove and were identical to the original 144 plugs.