freeze/core plugs

mmxchamp · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 12:49 PM

so their actual name is argued, but im wondering if mine need to be replaced. heres some pics.

^^ Drivers side block

^^pass side block

I figure they probably should, but im not noticing a leak of a large amount of coolant. Plus im not sure i could get the correct angle to put in new brass ones, which mean i would have to use the rubber ones.

any help is appreciated.

Thanks

-Matt

VanGo · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 02:51 PM

I would. I think there's even a tool to help get them in evenly

JTHill24 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 04:33 PM

Change one. change all. Use brass ones they don't rot out.

My wife's van had a small leak in one of the freeze plugs that turned into a large leak
coming home from work on the freeway.

It overheated, blew the HeadGasket.........Had to rebuild the engine.

JaY

mmxchamp · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 04:49 PM

i guess ill buy brass ones and hope that theres enough room to get a hammer in there...i havent tried yet. any other advice on putting them in?

xlt4wd90 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 05:05 PM

Drop the exhaust system and remove the headers to get more room.

Is there just one such plug on each side of the engine? I thought there might be two?

These look like the result of never changing the coolant. The corrosion inhibitors have long exhausted, and the engine is rusting out from the inside. You might want to look at the core plugs on the heads as well.

mmxchamp · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 05:13 PM

yea i got the car about 2 years ago for free from my dad's coworker, and from the looks it wasnt taken care of very well. since then i have replaced coolant twice.

ill check out the plugs on the heads...i know the ones on the rear of the block are fine cause i just replaced my clutch. im doing my best to fix it up but dont have very much experience. since i got the clutch done im worried now about taking care of the rust that is most likely in the block.

what about a temp fix like epoxy? would i still be able to take out the plug later? i was planning on taking the van on 2 trips in the next 2 weeks....and wasnt sure if i would have enough time to fix it before this monday.

96_4wdr · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 10:38 PM

freeze sand plugs are cheap and take a few hours to replace

overheated blown engines are expensive and take days to replace