Freeze Plugs - Steel or Brass?

[doug720]

I'm rebuilding an Isuzu 4BD2 for my 60. All the machine work is finished and I need freeze plugs.

Brass was the go to material, but there are other options. SS, steel, plated steel and brass. The original steel plugs looked good when I removed them, but I want use the best material.

Is brass the way to go? Or is something else better? Why?

Thanks

 

[lostmarbles]

I'd stick with whatever Isuzu used (OEM) in case the different rates of expansion would cause plugs made from a different material to loosen and leak. So I guess this means I'm in favour of the steel ones.

 

[ozcrusier]

I just went through this and used brass.
I just knocked 22 off them into my 12ht engine. I gave the hole a clean with 320 wet and dry then put a smear of non hardening Loctite no 3 around the hole before driving them in.

 

[ozwallaby]

I like brass........ I've done a few engines (maybe 10 of various brands) and always use brass and have never had a problem....

My old man recons if he says black I'll say white tho

 

[lostmarbles]

I concede defeat .... My wariness of brass is probably unfounded and at least with brass you have no worries about corrosion..