Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs: Which Will Last Longer?
When your vehicle has a damaged freeze plug, coolant will leak from the engine. Although you may not see any coolant pooling under your car, you can certainly smell it. A leaky cooling system caused by a bad freeze plug will have an unpleasant smell.
Freeze plugs, also called frost plugs or core plugs, prevent your car from leaking coolant. The maintenance of an automobile is very important for freezing plugs, particularly in warm climates. With no cooling system, your vehicle’s engine may become unstable, resulting in a breakdown.
As for marine products, performance products, or heavy-duty equipment, brass or stainless steel are suitable materials. Confused about which one is best between Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs? Let’s figure it out.
Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs: What is the Difference?
A poorly maintained cooling system is likely to result in leaks or rusted freeze plugs due to acidic contamination. If the cooling system is not flushed and refilled as recommended, the PH of the antifreeze is unbalanced and becomes acidic.
| Specification | Steel Freeze Plugs | Brass Freeze Plugs |
| Brand: | Dorman | Pioneer |
| Item weight: | 8.8 ounces | 14.6 ounces |
| Materials: | Steel | Brass |
| Describe type: | Cup type | Cup type |
| Product dimensions: | 3.7 x 2.5 x 2.3 inches | 7.85 x 8.75 x 0.7 inches |
| Exterior: | Can be painted if necessary | Machined |
| Origin Country: | USA | USA |
| Warranty: | Warranty for a limited period | Warranty for a limited period |
| Price: | Lower than brass | Higher than steel |
In-Depth Difference Between Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs
During the formation of an engine block, the passageways and basic shapes are created using sand. It is then inlaid with iron & aluminum. As the sand cools, it becomes looser and falls out of the holes. The freeze plug should be used to plug the holes.
Features of Steel Freeze Plugs:
- An Ideal Solution:- A steel plug can replace the original component that has been damaged or lost due to wear and tear.
- Direct Replacement:- Steel freeze plugs is a direct replacement for the fit, form, & function of an original factory part of certain models, years, and makes as well.
- Exceptional Durability:- Made from high-quality materials, this part is designed to be durable as well as long-lasting.
- Quality Assurance:- Designed and manufactured in the USA by product experts with over 100 years of experience in automotive electronics.
- Check The Fit:- In order to verify that the steel freeze plugs will fit your car, enter its make, model, & trim level as well.
Features of Brass Freeze Plugs:
- Exceptional Durability:- Made from high-quality brass material for years of consistent durability that does not require multiple complicated tools for installation or use.
- Fits Perfectly:- Brass Freeze Plugs contains all the plugs required for a complete engine rebuild, precisely manufactured for optimal performance.
- Suitable Model:- Freeze brass plug kit, fits Ford-Small-Block engines; 351ci, 302ci, 289ci, 260ci, 255ci, from the years of 1962‑2001.
- Number Of parts:- As specified by the manufacturer, the replacement part numbers are PE‑108R, MPE‑108BR, and PE108B.
- Package Includes:- Package includes 6 x 1-1/2 inch block plugs, 4 x ¼ inch pipe plugs, 1 x 2 5/32 inch cam, 1 x ¾ inch block plug, and 3 x ½ inch oil galley plugs.
Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs: Price
The price of Dorman steel cup type freeze plugs ranges from $15.00 to $27.90.
The price of Pioneer brass cup type freeze plugs ranges from $29.64 to $61.25.
Generally, brass freeze plugs are more expensive than steel ones. These plugs are also capable of providing better service.
It is important to keep in mind that prices may vary depending on seller websites, states, local automotive shops, and packet quantities. If you want it online, you’ll have to pay an additional delivery fee.
Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs: Which Is Best Over Others?
Would you like to know what to buy between Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs? A softer metal should be used for the plug compared to the surrounding block. Whenever ice forms within the block, the plug will collapse, preventing it from fracturing.
People tend to use brass plugs because of its high class of durability, although brass plugs are a little bit more expensive.
Since steel is not as soft as brass, steel plugs have a slight advantage over brass in terms of holding power. However, brass does not rust, it is also common in factories.
FAQs.
When A Freeze Plug Leaks, What Causes It?
Generally, freeze plugs are pieces of steel or brass that are inserted into the water pipe of the fuel block. However, leaking with time due to regular driver cycles, like cooling and heating your car. The freezing plug will also leak as a result of stress on the engine.
Do Brass Freeze Plugs Work Better?
Absolutely. A brass plug is designed to remove frozen plugs without rusting. The fan and radiator can also be positioned exactly between them using these plugs. In addition to being easier to install, brass freeze plugs also last for a long time. They tend to corrode less than steel ones, which is why countless users prefer brass ones.
Steel Freeze Plugs Are Better Than Others?
A steel freeze plug is made of high grade steel, which ensures a long lasting service life. Designed to replace a worn or missing original part, this plug is a strong, reliable alternative. This steel freeze plug is available in several sizes and is also packaged in different quantities for easy handling.
What Is The Best Time To Replace Freeze Plugs?
Ideally, it should be done every 3 years and every 60,000 miles, because the consequences are so serious. In the absence of proper rust inhibitors, corrosion will affect the weakest part of the engine. There are also freeze plugs, and they let go if your engine freezes, preventing damage to your engine block.
Conclusion
Steel Vs Brass Freeze Plugs: which one should you choose? The marine industry typically uses brass freeze plugs. Except for conductive fluids such as salt water, electrolysis is not a problem.
Stainless steel freeze plugs from the factory are the only ones designed to function and fit properly. However, brass also endures corrosion better than steel plugs. It’s no secret that steel corrodes more quickly than brass.
Today, brass plugs are widely used because they are more durable. Brass is generally more expensive, so you won’t need to rebuild your engine within the next 100,000 miles. Basically, Brass is your most suitable option; otherwise, Steel is fine.
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