I am doing a light "rattle can rebuild" on my '74 Dodge Charger 318. I did a compression check and all cylinders are between 135 and 155 psi. It has 74,000 miles on it. So, my freeze plugs were rusted and leaking. I pulled them out today and was astonished at the rust and corrosion build up behind them. I need to flush this engine's water jackets badly. Any suggestions? Is this normal? I think the previous owner didn't put enough antifreeze in and the hi concentration of water contributed to the freeze plug rusting. I am also replacing the timing chain, oil pan gasket, etc. One other thing, there was coolant leaking into the oil. My oil looked really bad. My theory on that was hopefully, the timing cover wasn't sealed and was leaking water into the oil pan. Comments? TY.

 

YIKES! That first picture is pretty hideous. Please blurr the image next time you show something like that, I had to cover my daughters eyes.. Just kidding.

There are several Uber-smart Mopar folks here who will be able to help you with your issue. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.

But I can help by writing this and passing a bit of time for you while you read it and we wait for one of them to respond. hehe

Normal wait time for a solid answer is less than 24 hours.

 

they ALLWAYS rust. never seen one that didnt. why in the world do they ever used Ethylene glycol and water ill never know.

 

Take the freeze plugs out and get an engine bottle brush . Run it through the block with the garden hose. You should also probably check the radiator. You can use brass freeze plugs- no rust. There easy to replace with the motor out.. With that much rust ? You may have to replace the timing cover - the metal gets eaten away. It could be your leak into the oil pan
I would also replace the head gaskets- They may be rusted too???

 

I just had my 76 Dodge 318 out because the rear freeze plug was leaking, when I took the freeze plugs out there was so much sand and crap in there. I took a garden hose to the inside and so much crap came out, but all is good now, good luck.

 

TY 04 Diesel. I was hoping you would say that. Yeah, the rusty grit kinda reminds me of sand.

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