Freeze Plugs

[tbird430]

What do I need to apply to my new brass freeze plugs before I install them into my engine block? Maybe Blue Permatex, nothing? I know years ago my father used "shellac", but that stuff isn't available anymore to my knowledge...

[Petrolhead]

Permatex or any good RTV sealant can't hurt - I wiped a thin layer around the edge of my frost plugs before driving them in, no leaks, but hard to say if the RTV made a difference. Better to be safe than sorry though.

[Hawkrod]

What do I need to apply to my new brass freeze plugs before I install them into my engine block? Maybe Blue Permatex, nothing? I know years ago my father used "shellac", but that stuff isn't available anymore to my knowledge...

Shelac is by far the best thing to use and silicon could easily be the worst (it can act as a lubricant and help the plug slide out under pressure). Indian Head Gasket Shelac is available almost anywhere and probably the same stuff your father used. It beats most other Permatex products (yes it is a Permatex product) in my opinion and I use it for most gaskets as I prefer a dry clean engine! Hawkrod