Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Freeze Plug Replacement...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 16, 2013 | 07:55 AM
  #1  
jmsmith76's Avatar
jmsmith76
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Freeze Plug Replacement...

Well I have a freeze plug (front passenger side) leaking and I need to swap it. I've searched around a good bit and found almost no info on doing this. I was able to pop the old plug out with no issues and measured it with a caliper. Measured out to almost exactly 1.5". Most parts stores 1.5" plugs are either deeper or shallower than the plug that came out but found an almost exact match at a local machine shop. Had to pull the motor mount to make more room in there and went to pop the new one in but I've been unsuccessful at getting it to go in square. After fooling with it for hours, I'm thinking that it needs to be a metric plug. The new one is about .01" larger than the original even though it is a 1.5" plug. The machine shop was closed today so I went to bumper to bumper and the guy helped me find a couple plugs that are the same exact diameter but all they had were either too deep or too shallow.

My questions are... what are the implications of installing a freeze plug that is not the right depth? Can I put the deep (or shallow) one in and go with it? Or should I wait til Monday and try to get one from Ford? Anybody know the specs on these freeze plugs or have a part number for it? Also, has anybody tried installing one with the motor in the truck? So far, it's been a real pain in the ***. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2013 | 12:07 PM
  #2  
jeep1947's Avatar
jeep1947
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Jeffersonville IN
Club FTE Silver Member

Put your new plug in the freezer for a couple of hours then when you are react to install heat the area around the plug hole with a hair dryer torch or heat gun. The hole will expand and plug will shrink in freezer. Hold it with a magnet it should slip right into place. Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2013 | 03:19 PM
  #3  
jmsmith76's Avatar
jmsmith76
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Got it in. Thanks for the help
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jspringator
Modular V10 (6.8l)
4
Oct 19, 2013 08:50 AM
sbclemens
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
12
Dec 1, 2010 05:27 PM
FT4L
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Oct 8, 2007 01:04 PM
Seifferlein
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Aug 17, 2004 11:48 PM
centex73
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
24
May 31, 2004 10:15 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:10 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE