any tricks to taking one out, re-installing?

 

Usually just drill a hole into them, then pop 'em out with a screwdriver. As for installing, you need to line them up with the hole, brace something like a piece of wood flush againts them, then hammer them in. As you can see these aren't really an item you can reuse.

 

shoot...i dont have a drill.

i have a leak, coolant leak....coming from the back of the motor near the center...i think its the freeze plug. does that sound possible before i try to ghetto remove it?

 

Might be the crossover line between the head's.

Hit the plug on the edge of the cup and turn it in the hole,then take it out with pliers.Use a socket big enough to fit inside OD and fill it up.Ya have to get dead straight with it and tap it in but not to far,just flush with the chamfer.

 

Back of the motor as in the side that mates with the transmission? Or to the rear of the side of the block, and if so which side? There are various sensors that mount to the side of the block that could be leaking coolant ie. knock sensor, etc...

 

drivers side, rear of block near firewall...seems like its leaking from there.

 

The crossover line is in that area behind the heads. Get under it and try to feel the wet and trace it.The knock sensor is on that side too could be running down the pan rail.

 

any pics of these items so i can see what im looking at...im thinking it may actually be that crossover...since my motor rebuild it has been doing it...but not before.

 

Go to Shoebox's site and see if he has pictures. I'm thinking thats it and if ya feel behind the head--between the head and firewall-- it's the only thing sticking out back there. If it's wet or below it on the head or the hose that goes to the radiator is wet ya got it. Good luck stopping the leak-- it's a b****.

 

I had no room to work on that tube with everything on the motor. I found it easier to pull the intake and get at it that way. I used teflon tape on the threads and took it to Chevy torque specs.

 

You are right.
I never put heads back on with the old tube,"o"ring washers or through bolt. To big of a PITA to change.The washers with the "O" rings are what seals not the through bolt.Should be one on each side of the tube block a total of 4 washer's for both sides.

 

great. thanks for the advice. it sucks...lol j/k

when i had my motor rebuilt, i didnt have any coolant loss except for a hose or 2 on the front...now i lose coolant quite a bit...and it seems like that may be it.

well, at least i survived an opti install, tomorrow when i put the rest of it back together ill have to hope and pray my car starts...if not im screwed.

 

Ok, but CHECK first before ya go to rippin and tearing.

 

I never use a drill, I take a hammer and a small screw driver and puncture a hole in them. Then get a big screw driver or my crowbar and pry them out.