Triumph Repair: freze plog replace, spitfire production, triumph spitfire

Question
Hi Jim:

I have a 1983 Triumph Spitfire that the freze plug at the back of the engine has rusted through.

My question is how to get the old one out or can I repair ir with something?

Thanls

Bill  

Answer
Bill,

Congratulations, you've managed to find the elusive '83 Spitfire (production ceased in 1980/81).

Some of the major autoparts chain stores do sell a rubber "replacement" freeze plug that will fit.  It's not really meant to be a long term solution as the combination of heat and pressure will tend to destroy the rubber in the plug.

You can also buy a replacement steel plug.  The main problem will be getting the remains of the old plug out of the engine and cleaning up the location so the new plug will seal properly.

If a freeze plug has rusted through it is an indication that there might be more serious problems with the engine that might be better solved with a complete rebuild.

Are we referring to a freeze plug in the block, or one of the plugs in the cylinder head?


Cheers,

Jim