Engine Bolt Protection

13 January 2024

Two little silicon plugs came in the mail today prompting a quick visit to our Ram ProMaster 3500 based Pleasure-Way Lexor TS.  The plugs prevent water from corroding two bolts on the upper intake manifold. 

Engine bays on these vans are notorious for getting wet. Water then accumulates in two of the bolt holes that aren’t covered. This causes rust on the bolts, making them very difficult to remove. The silicon plugs fill the holes, keeping water out and preserving the bolts.

Installation was simple. I used canned air to blow water off the top of each bolt. With the bolt holes dry, the larger end of the plugs fit snugly over the bolts. 

You can see the narrow ends of the plugs on top of the engine. It will be simple to pull them out if we ever need to access the bolts. 

It may be too late for our 2018, but I  ordered these $15 “Van Nipples” from Kip at ProMasters Only. If you haven’t watched any of his videos, they are silly, but educational. Equipped with a middle school sense of humor he delivers in-depth advice on all things related to keeping our ProMasters running.  If we ever need major engine work done, I hope we can limp to Barberton, Ohio.  Thank you Kip!

See Kip’s videos and get ordering info on YouTube at: ProMasters Only