I'm trying to install a block heater for my 2000 5.3L V8 and don't know what to do with the freeze plug. It has what looks to be about a 17mm hex head (allen wrench) plug in there but I can't get at it well enough to turn the wrench. The center looks like the normal plugs that you just punch through with a screwdriver or something. Has anyone taken one of these out before...how did you do it? I really don't want to have to pay a shop 150 to do it when the part only costs me 30. Thanks for the help!

 

i'm a tad confused here..

the factory plug should be a solid metal plug...right/..you whap it out with a punch and hammer then duck as coolant pours on ya.

the new one...may be a rubber expansion plug?....something that swells as the screw is turned

 

how trustworthy are those that are made of expandable rubber? I would think that over time engine heat would effect the rubber and possibly cause failure.

 

yes,its a concern..but sometimes there is not much choice..say,in the back of a head...you can't get a driver on it,so you have to go rubber or pull the engine out