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MG MGA - How do I remove old Freeze Plugs

I just purchased an 1961 MGA convertible from my aunt that my uncle (recently deceased) owned and drove for years. We had to replace the radiator hoses, spark plugs, added oil, anti-freeze, fresh gas, brake fluid and a new battery. IT STARTED! and we drove it around the block! It was a blast! ...but... When we got back we realized that a freeze plug was missing and had to order four new ones from Moss. Can anyone tell me any tricks to getting the old freeze plugs out so that I can replace all four?
An added note: I hesitate to let this information out but: She also has a 1958 coupe (with rounded rear glass) I plan to pick it up also for possible parts) But as you all well know, you can not take the car cover off of it in the front lot without someone driving up in your front driveway wanting to know about it and if it is for sale etc etc. So I already have one fellow asking about the 58. It is rusting away but I have plans to get it in the next few days to find out what condition it is in and what all is left on it that is useable. Whe I picked up my MGA I just looked out into the back and saw the 58 so I do not know anything about it other than the fact that it is there and I am going to go back and get it.
Looking forward to sharing and gathering information with you folks.
Dan from upper east Tennessee
DMC Dan Carty

Dan; Carefully drill a hole about 5/16 to 3/8" dia. and lever the plug out wih a suitable bar. Clear the area very well ( I use a dremel tool with a small wire brush). Coat he seating area with a engine sealant like aviation grade permatex, place in the new plug, be sure it is fully seated thenslightly deform the crest of the plug. If the engine is in the car, deformation is best accomplished with a strudy bar, 1' dia by 20 to 24" long struck by a HEAVY hammer. Wecome and good luck. Bill
w.g cook

Thank you my friend,
dmc
DMC Dan Carty

Dan, there's not much on the coupe that you can use on the 61 that's not readily available from other sources and the coupe is worth more complete than as parts. Check the archives and other threads on coupes. The rear glass trim is almost impossible to find, so if it's intact you have a find there if nothing else.
Bill Young

When I recently had a 1500 rebuilt, of course the engine was out of the car. They replaced the original type freeze plugs with screw in types. I was told this type is more secure.
brucep

Dan, don't forget to check the freeze plug in the rear of the head.
John H

brucep - could you clarify your 'screw in' freeze/core plugs? Do you mean secured with small screws as per some of the race engines?

Just interested Terry
Terry Drinkwater

Dan--
I have to ask this, and forgive me if I'm stating the obvious. When you discovered the missing freeze plug, I assume you also discovered antifreeze all over the place?
Maybe it's just me, but your wording suggests the immage of a dry hole. Water passages in MG heads tend to clog up with corrosion and sediment. If yours didn't leak profusely through the missing freeze plug hole, you could have an overheating problem that needs attention.
John V.
John Vallely

John,
Thanks for your suggestion. I went to my Aunts house and picked up the MGA on a two wheel car hauler and it was sitting in gravel/grass also it was dark so I didn't see much. But when I did get it home I was checking the fluid levels and saw that it was low on anti-freeze so I added some and yes: at that point it was obvious. When I went to the local auto parts stores they look at you like you have five heads when you ask for a 61 MGA part so I started on the internet and found Moss and got them shipped next day b/c I was excited about getting it started and running. Now that I have it holding fluid I think that the water pump is leaking (from the front i.e. behind the fan blade) so I guess I'm waiting on the MGA catalogue from Moss to spend some more money! Everything else seems to be operational, as I drove it down to the gas station for a fill up to test for leaks in the fuel tank. So good so far! What a blast to drive!

Bill, I may very well decide not to part it, I will just have to see what kind of shape it is in and I will for sure check on the rear glass trim. Thanks

John H. Thanks also, You are talking to a guy who tryed to put the first freeze plug in backwards so I did not have any idea where the cuss the fourth freeze plug was! I will learn though: My Dad and myself looked all over for the trunk and hood release because It said that it was located on the passenger side....yes I can hear you guys laughing.....
DMC Dan Carty

Terry, I mean the type of plugs that are screwed into the block, not pressed.
brucep

I had a core plug problem on my MGB a couple of years ago - the centre one next to the distributor was leaking. I removed it ( as described by Bill Cook) and then replaced it - I had geat difficulty getting enough swing on the hammer - a 2 pound one- but managed to ping the centre. It lasted 18 months and leaked a bit but finally gave up doing 60 mph with a pop and strong smell of anti freeze - fortunately I din't seize the engine after travelling another 2 miles - then a recovery truck home! I then got the local garage to fit another core plug - I didn't trust myself again. They said it was pig of a job and really needed doing with the engine out so that a clear hit can be made in the centre of the disc. Not had any problem with the MGA ones yet ( fingers crossed!)Hope this is of some help. Cheers Cam
C Cunningham

This is off the topic of freeze plugs, but you will do yourself a very large favor if you replace the brake hoses on the car before you drive it much...Old rubber is known to fail and when you lose one hose--you're out of brakes.
R. L Carleen

I agree with a take RL Carleen's advice further. Tires can go too, as well as wheel cylinder rubbers, clutch slave, and clutch master rubbers, belts, rad hoses and heatwer hoses. I'd run it alot and close to home befoer I took it out in traffic, if not replace all this stuff before driving it. My 1500 hadn't been driver for 15 years when I got it. Before I put it on the road I relplaced all these things, for the sake of saftey. Then I worked on things that wake it run right, and look nice. Patients is really a virttue when it comes to taking old cars out of storage IMHO.
brucep

Quite right brucep and RL - I had my brakes fail when the rear brake cylinders let go one at a time a week or so apart - the car had sat virtually unused for the previous 6 years when with the previous owner - fortunately no harm done! Cheers Cam
C Cunningham

This thread was discussed between 07/02/2006 and 08/02/2006

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