I have a 2002 Blazer- 4.3. Left it sitting through the winter with water and no anti-freeze --DUH!!! Blew out the freeze plugs, of course. I was able to remove the 4 plugs on the sides of the block after pulling the starter and motor mounts and lifting the engine a little. I plan to replace them with rubber expanding plugs for now. I think there is one or two on the backside of the block. Is the rear one(s) plugging the water jacket(which would mean it's probably blown out too) or is it just a sand plug? Thanks in advance if anyone has some info.

 

They are NOT for saving the block from freezing and cracking block. How many did you loose????

 

Lost all 4 on the sides of the block but don't know about on the ones on the back.

 

Every engine I've had in the shop that someone let freeze up to the point of blowing out the soft plugs has been toast - swelled water jacket and or micro fractures - breaking the water jacket installing new plugs can be risky even if it hasn't been froze up, newer blocks are not as meaty as they ustta be - you might be better off and money ahead by finding a new block/engine

 

X2 toast

 

Yup, I would say this one is a very large paper weight.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. Of course I was thinking the same but I'm an optimist with some time on my hands, this week. I just got the plugs...about to put them in now and see what happens. Worst case scenario: I'm out $20 and 4 hours of my time. I've been thinking about a small block V-8 swap. I know how ridiculous that sounds but I also know it's been done and this Blazer has some sentimental value. Do you know anyone who has done this?

 

Tons of V8 swaps out there - swap kits can also be bought for the swaps that have most of every thing to do it - Heck if I can build a 4X4 RX7 and a street legal RX7 1/4 mile runner with a SB 350 under the hood Chevy to Chevy is cake

 

To letters! LS swap lol