How to change te freeze plug?
 

1990 351W

how difficult is it to change a freeze plug.. the 2nd one behind the oil filter under the exhaust manifold thanks..



J.J

get a rubber one...you wont get a metal one there...will maybe you can but I can't, I use the rubber ones just push them in and tighten the wing nut.. Done...If the motor was out I would use the normal plugs but in the truck it tough...

How easy, or how to do it? Easy if the engine is out, hard if it is in.

For a one-shot job, sharpen an old large screwdriver to form a chisel. Tap it through the core plug (aka "freeze" plug); then bend it sideways and the core plug should pop out. Be careful not to just knock the core plug inwards. (If you have doubts find an old junk engine to practice on or ask an automotive machine shop to let you watch removal of core plugs.)

In the engine is in the vehicle, it will probably be necessary to support the engine's weight and remove the motor mount and prehaps the exhaust manifold. A new core plug will have to be coated around the rim with sealer and installed in its bore. Pro's use a tool, but any blunt object can be used as a punch and then it will take many, many small taps with a hammer and the "punch" to drive the core plug home without cocking it at an angle. (Go around & around the edge of the new core plug.) There are rubber expanding plugs for "emergency" repair, which will make the installation easier.

thanks for all the help.!! the new freeze plug is in and she's running again

how did you do it and what kind did you use? just wondering cause I could never get the metal ones in with the motor installed.

i used a metal one...
step 1 = remove the tire put the car up jackstand of course
step 2 = hold the motor in place with a jack and a 2X4
step 3 = onscrew the moter mounts ( jack the motor ) try to remove the mount( it did not remove it but move it a side jest enough to reach the plug
step 4 = take the old one as you wish hamer it with a screw drive than pull it with a ply out
step 5 = clean the hole and the buildup around it good!!
step 6 = clean the new one put teflon paste around it ... i used a extension with a big enough socket end tho hamer it gently in place and then youre done
Hell of a work tho ! but she's running again :)

THE PICS

Before ( the busted one ) in place
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=148324&.jpg[/img]


The plugs ( the new one the wall is much ticker )
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=148325&.jpg[/img]


https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=148326&.jpg[/img]




the job when complete

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=148327&.jpg[/img]

looks crooked to me hope it stays in there.....

Look at the picture above comparing the new & old core plugs. The universal replacement core plug has much more depth, so it is in plenty deep. It may even be bottoming out.

I congratulate DJdemon6696 on completing a tough job - well done!

it's tough alright....I could never get them in....well done.....

thanks.. and yes it did bottom out,, thats why it looks like that..