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KBL Part Missing

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rfsully
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KBL Part Missing

Post by rfsully » Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:28 pm

Just took delivery of a 1948 Deluxe Runabout KBL. Discovered a missing part from the winterizing procedure. Back by the water pump and oil heat exchanger on the side of the block there is a large hole, about the same size as the freeze plugs. It is designed to be covered by a plate and held in place by 2 bolts. The plate/cover and its 2 bolts are missing. Can someone help me identify the part? (I have ordered a parts list but it hasn't arrived here yet.)

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Tue Mar 09, 2010 9:51 pm

Bob, welcome to Boat Buzz, very good to have you aboard.

I'm familiar with the K block for my '48, 17' Deluxe being restored. I think the KBL is the same block. I am not sure where your missing plate is. Is it possibly between the freeze plugs about mid way on the block length, just under the serial numbers? The attached photo is a K with the coil mounted to this cast iron plate. Is this it?

Image

Al

rfsully
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Post by rfsully » Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:18 am

Actually no. It is on the block at the rear, behind the distributor.

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rdapron
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Post by rdapron » Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:12 am

Pictures would help but it sounds like you are missing a freeze plug. Is it like the one in this picture, the freeze plug that is inserted into the machined surface near the distributor?
rob


Image

rfsully
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Post by rfsully » Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:29 pm

Right behind the distributor there is a hose. Behind that hose is the opening. It's about the same size as a freeze plug, and has a threaded bolt hole on either side. It's inb a very tight spot and so is very hard to photograph, but I will give it a try.

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:11 pm

Bob,

I think what you are seeing should have just a freeze plug. The threaded holes are diagonal each side and there's a 3rd bolt hole that forms a triangle. It shows in both photos posted.

Hercules probably used a different setup for this block for farm and industrial applications but the marine engine that Chris-Craft used the block for just has a freeze plug here.

I have a K setting in my garage. I'll un-cover it tomorrow and get a photo that shows it with no hoses or oil lines in the way.

Al

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Post by rfsully » Thu Mar 11, 2010 6:45 am

Here is the photo
Image

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JohnKadimik
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missing part

Post by JohnKadimik » Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:55 am

Freeze plug

rfsully
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Post by rfsully » Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:13 am

Seems strange to me that all the other freeze plugs are press fit, but this one apparently has a bolt-on cover that holds it in place.

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Al Benton
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Post by Al Benton » Thu Mar 11, 2010 11:13 am

Bob,

If I were to take a photo of mine, it would look just like yours but would show a freeze plug in the round hole, not bolted on but inserted in the hole (with nothing in the bolt holes).

So, as I, John and Rob agree, all you need is to clean it up and pop a plane, common, normal, ordinary, average, everyday, regular freeze plug in that hole.

Al

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maritimeclassics
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Post by maritimeclassics » Thu Mar 11, 2010 11:14 am

It is definitely where a freeze plug should be. This was probably a place where something was bolted on for a different application such as a truck. Remember the Hercules blocks had a lot of different uses.
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JohnKadimik
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missing part

Post by JohnKadimik » Thu Mar 11, 2010 11:42 am

Make sure its brass and not steel.

rfsully
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Post by rfsully » Thu Mar 11, 2010 11:47 am

Thanks very much everyone! Glad to get this resolved. I will call Classic Boat Connection unless someone can offer a better source to order the part.

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JohnKadimik
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missing part

Post by JohnKadimik » Thu Mar 11, 2010 1:55 pm

Local boat shop.

rfsully
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freeze plug

Post by rfsully » Tue Mar 16, 2010 1:46 pm

Does the freeze plug require any sealant at all, or just press-fit?

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Post by Gord » Tue Mar 16, 2010 7:22 pm

Dave Van Ness of Van Ness Engineering would be the guy to call he has these in stock I am sure. My concern would be why is it missing, has the boat ever been exposed to freezing temps, this may just be the tip of the iceberg. This is a cause and effect deal, we know the effect but what was the cause, frost plugs just do not fall out on there own. Make sure you know what happened.

Happy motoring. :)
1948 U22 Sportsman
1961 28 Connie

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Doug P
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Post by Doug P » Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:00 pm

Haven't looked at my K....but could it be an outlet or inlet for a heater

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