Freeze Plugs

[Tahoe32]

I have a 2006 Malibu LXI with the Indmar Monsoon motor. In the fall I had it winterized by the dealer. They left the hose unattached and the drain plugs out. They said to bring it back this spring to get it water ready. I looked at everything this spring and it seems pretty easy to connect the 4 hose and put the 2 freeze plugs in, but is there anything else I should be doing? Also how far do the freeze plugs with the knock sensors go in. Do I tighten them flush with the block? Does anybody have any pictures of how the plugs look installed?

[electricjohn]

Put the knock sensors in wrench tight, don't overtighten them though. Remember they have to come out again at seasons end. Do not use a threading compound or teflon tape, as they need a metal to metal contact to work (sense knocking) right. There are also hoses that coming off the back of the exhaust that need to be joined.

edit; don't forget to connect the blue wires to the knock sensors.

Edited April 22, 2009 by electricjohn

[99response]

The block plugs/knock sensor are NPT fittings and will seal from water with a coupler turns after hand tight.

If you have the newer style knock sensors (one on each side of the block) make sure you tighten on the bigger nut (1" I think) versus the little 1/2" nut on the outside - if you crank on the small nut you can crack the knock sensor.

Make sure you also connect the manifold cross over lines - it is a garden hose fitting.

-Chris

[Tahoe32]

The block plugs/knock sensor are NPT fittings and will seal from water with a coupler turns after hand tight.

If you have the newer style knock sensors (one on each side of the block) make sure you tighten on the bigger nut (1" I think) versus the little 1/2" nut on the outside - if you crank on the small nut you can crack the knock sensor.

Make sure you also connect the manifold cross over lines - it is a garden hose fitting.

-Chris

I have the newer knock sensors. After tightening the bigger nut do I then tighten the smaller nut so the knock sensor is not free moving correct?

[99response]

Yup, just don't crank on them and you will be fine.

-Chris