Freeze Plugs

[jandarah]

Hi,

I have a later 132 series 1756cc block. I can see four freeze plugs (we call them Welsh plugs, who knows why??) under the exhaust manifold. Are there any more? I thought I read somewhere that there is a fifth one at the rear of the block, nice and hidden away and requiring a engine removal. Also, Auto Ricambi in the US sell a kit of 5. Advice please.

Cheers and hope you are all having a great Christmas.

[So Cal Mark]

One plug on the intake side, the rear has a removable plate

[jandarah]

Hi Mark,

Excuse my ignorance, but from what you have said, four on the exhaust side, one on the intake side (must have a look for that one) and only a removeable plate on the rear. Fiddly job, but I guess they can be replaced with the engine in the car??

Great forum, many thanks again from Down Under.

[fiatfactory]

.

[jandarah]

Hi Steve,

I stand corrected on the spelling, why is it freeze and why is it Welch? Thanks for the offer, i will get back to you if I have problems locally.

Cheers

[fiatfactory]

.

[weengra]

There are several Welch plugs into oil galleries on the rear of the block and sometimes they are removed when blocks get sent for cleaning at a machine shop. That's what happened to me. Turns out they are fiddly to install and if they leak it's a major oil leak that does require engine removal to remedy. Most folks have the machine shop install them and use some kind of sealant as insurance. Best practice is to leave them alone in the first place, I am told. b-

[jandarah]

Yep, Leave well enough alone is a principle of mine, so only necessary bits are touched. OK on the origin of Mr. Welch and the reason for their being called freeze plugs... makes sense. That sort of cold will never ever be an issue here, more so higher temps.

Cheers,