Open Freeze Plug FIlls Engine w/ Water

I really blew it today!  I've been working to tune up a 1951 Allis Chalmers B in hopes of selling it soon.  Its last start was about 5 months ago so I charged the battery, added gas, opened the fuel valve, and turned the key.  Success!  After running for about five minutes, I checked the radiator and saw it was low on water.  I got the hose and started filling.  The engine started running rough and then shut down.  Before starting it again, I wanted to fill the radiator, so I kept filling.  Suddenly, I realized water was dripping from EVERYWHERE around the engine block!!!  My post-flooding investigation revealed that one of the engine head freeze plugs under the valve rocker arm had completely popped out, allowing water to flood under the valve cover and flow down into the oil sump.  I'm guessing that water also got into the cylinders that had a valve open.

I'm writing to the forums to see if anyone else has ever had to deal with this and what was required to fix it.  At the least, its replace the oil, head gasket, and dry out the cylinders.  At the most its an engine rebuild.  Comments???

We get water in our boat engines all the time, have been very successful by changing the oil several times. Just replace the plug and get to changing the oil. Don't know why you would need to replace the head gasket.  If it was sitting there idling with no load as you were filling the radiator I doubt there is any damage caused by the water.

Maurice, yes the WD does have freeze plugs, most engines have them.

Dick L, haven't hear that term in a while. I worked 16 yrs in an engine foundry. That is pretty much the reason for those silly holes, have to get the sand cores out of there some how. Siamese in the water jacket or between the bores would be an issue without core plugs.

Good news - the tractor still runs!  I followed everyone's advice: tapped the freeze plug back into the head, drained the gallons of water and oil from the sump, replaced it with 4 quarts of used auto oil, removed the plugs, added oil to each cylinder, drove the engine with the starter for 10 seconds or so, reinstalled the plugs, filled the radiator, and squirted some starter fluid in the air intake for good measure. Set the key, pulled the choke and starter, and off she went!  Ran for about 15 minutes to get it good and hot.  Then closed shop because it was getting dark.
Next time, drain the auto oil and add back fresh stuff.  Thanks for all the help everyone!!!
Andrew

That's good news. Glad it is working out for you. God Bless.

Edited by Dick L - 24 May 2017 at 11:19am

Now that you got it running, I think I'd go ahead and replace those freeze plugs as if one popped out, the other's eventually will. replace them with new, per the shop manual.

 just what is a "wet sleeve" what is it referring to ? water or oil? and what is the purpose?

4 cylinder motor with wet sleeves removed.  What you see inside is the water jacket open to the backside of each sleeve.

Where are the freeze plugs on a B or C Allis engine?   Thanks

Thx much ..  sorry ..  I didn't read the entire thread ..   :)   

gdtractor wrote: Thank you ....   are you saying ..  even though they LOOK good ...  they may or aren't ? thanks again

You should have started your own thread on this, but since we're here right now.....
As long as you have the valve cover off and are in there, they are a cheap insurance plan to change them.  They can and DO rot out from the bottom side and you can't see this until it is too late.  It's better to change them out and then you'll know they are new.
Hope this helps you out Gary.

What is the size ot the freeze plug for a C?