So I am having a problem with a side plug on the driver's side of the engine. I've had to replace it now 3 times. The first was due to a leak around the plug, and then twice due to the plug coming out.

At this point we've got it in there as far as we can get, and the edges of the plug are flush with the engine block. I'm leary about pushing it in any further because I don't wanna knock it into the block.

If this one pops out, what could be the cause?

The oil is a little bit above full, but not horribly, and the coolant is just below the neck of the radiator. I'm wondering if there's a sealant or something that might be worth using. It's been the same plug that's popped each time, and the vehicle doesn't appear to be overheating at all at the times that it happens.

Currently I'm running with a 160 (or maybe it was 165) thermo.

Any suggestions?

 

I have resorted to bolting i a block heater, the toggle tightens down and holds them in place.

 

Did you use a sealer when you installed it? did you use a brass plug? Dorman products makes a brass plug that you expand with a wrench after its installed. As for me I recomend a deep cup brass plug with a sealer [permatex or locktite] driven in flush with the block never had one pop out

 

Yeah I used dorman plugs, not expandable though.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...322_13244_5254

Those ones there. Didn't use any sealer but I think if it pops again I'll try. I read somewhere that there are some that come with a rubber grommet that you then wrench to lock in place, are those the ones you're talking about?

 

THe ruber gromet type with the toggle bolt are realy desiged for aps where you cant get at them to drive a standard plug in they work but look hokey and rober and heat dont fair well. so if a standard brass plug can be driven in [with a sealer] and the block is not damaged it will stay

 

As said above, you are supposed to use some sort of sealer.