"This widely held belief probably has no basis in fact since when freezing water expands it expands in all directions and all locations in the engine, not just in the location and direction of the core plugs. Understanding the physics of freezing-water expansion, it is immpossible to imagine that several small plugs in the side of the block could protect the block from cracking. The only known function of these holes is for the removal of core-sand after the block has been cast."
- Can you cite references? Kythri 01:13, 14 January 2007 (UTC)
- I doubt he can. Consider: "Understanding (some of) the physics of freezing-water expansion, it IS POSSIBLE to imagine that several small plugs in the side of the block could protect the block from cracking." A body of water freezes at the top first; ice crystals float because they have lower density than liquid water (this is one of the most special properties of water). So it's reasonable to think that water in the uppermost regions of the block's water jacket will freeze and expand first, creating downward pressure which would force liquid water downwards and conceivably out through the plug holes. The real questions I have are whether the plugs are low enough on the block, and whether they will be pressed out before the water freezes at or below their level. (If the water has already hardened into ice, then it can't flow as readily out of the holes.) Another question is whether an engine can be expected to cool evenly enough for this scenario to work, but convection currents and the ability of ice to float upwards suggests to me that it would. Finally, I note that I have found at least a site or two on the web where people say they have seen these plugs pressed out when water in their blocks froze. --Parsiferon 05:47, 11 November 2007 (UTC)
Why is there a sentence, calling another sentence bullshit? and one stating anothers accuracy? 71.77.37.238 18:05, 3 May 2007 (UTC)
- Your sentence is a load of bull crap. MY first sentence ("Your sentence is a load of bull crap.") is totally accurate in its complaint about your crappy sentence. Why, you ask? Why not! --72.78.38.239 19:06, 4 May 2008 (VTC)