Intake Manifold Leaking Coolant

[sterd]

I recently acquired a 72 240Z. In may attempts to get it running, I have noticed a coolant leak coming from the intake manifold area. It is an E88 intake. By putting a mirror under it, the leak seems to be coming from what looks like one of two freeze plugs under the intake port for the front carb. My question is three-fold. Am I correct in assuming that these indentations are freeze plugs and if so can they be replaced and how difficult? The manifold may just be cast that way but they sure look like freeze plugs. I have checked the coolant lines and fittings going into this intake and they are dry.

Thank you in advance.

[Daniel]

Afew choices.The plugs can be removed by driving a screwdriver thru it and pry it out.Kinda like the plug on a new can of brake fluid.Finding one that size may be an issue,I don't know.To replace use a socket that is the same inside diameter and tap it in.You could just by-pass that entire carb/water thing.It is to heat the intake during cold weather.Most do that.In your area it may be good to have.You could drain some coolant so the plug stays dry and apply some jb weld.Use the 24hr dry stuff not the jbquick.That would be the easy attempt. Also just an FYI ,the plugs are called freezeplugs by most people even the ones on your block.They do kinda serve that function but,its kinda by accident.The real reason for them is during the casting of the part they are an exit point for air and sand during manufacture.

[sterd]

Thanks for the reply Daniel. I am leaning more towards by-passing the water. I will only be driving the car in the summer so it should not be a problem.