[OMC-Boats] Freeze Plug and valve on port side

Hello -

Getting my '68 out this spring I have a new problem ... looks like the
block didn't get drained completely and things froze up a bit.

On the port side I have water coming out of the size of the block. I can't
easily see the location, but my fingers tell me it's coming from a largish
round hole which I assume to be a freeze plug. I'm assuming this can be
'fixed' using the standard automotive repairs. If someone knows otherwise,
please tell me.

On the starboard side however I have what feels like a different issue.
Again I can't easilly see the source of the water, but it feels like there
is a fitting with a stem with a valve on the end of it coming from the side
of the block. Water seems to be coming (spraying) from the base of the
stem or the block where the stem attaches to the block. First ...does
anybody know what this thing is? and second, does anybody have any
thoughts on what the likely repair path is going to be for this?

My sense is that to gain access I'm going to have to remove the exhaust
manifolds and I'm wondering how much tear-down I'm going to be getting into
and what parts availability for things like gaskets is going to be like.

I'm located in Denver, CO if anybody has any advise relating to parts
sources or mechanics who are good with these older powerplants.

Thanks,

Kenneth
Received on Friday, 13 April 2012