is this a freeze plug?
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Freshman User
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is this a freeze plug?
About a week ago, I started noticing antifreeze under my truck that wasn't there before.
I was able to trace the leak to the passenger side of my oil pan and finally found this bad boy leaking. 
I believe this is a freeze plug, but I want to double check. Is this a relatively easy fix?Thanks!
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2014
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freeze plug
yes it is. That dose not look that bad to get at ,but internal condition of cooling system may need attention and more freeze plugs may be on the way, I hope not the ones in the back of the block are to much work.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
Yep, that's a freeze plug. Also known as a frost plug or core plug if the computer operator... oops I mean parts guy/gal can't find it in the system at the parts store. Get BRASS ones if they're available, not steel.
I'm guessing you'll want to know how to replace it too!
Smash a hole in the center of it with a chisel, pry it out sideways, clean up the bore, and use a seal driver (or a socket) that just fits the inside diameter of the new plug to drive it in square.
I'm guessing you'll want to know how to replace it too!
Smash a hole in the center of it with a chisel, pry it out sideways, clean up the bore, and use a seal driver (or a socket) that just fits the inside diameter of the new plug to drive it in square.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
Yeah you just drive it in there, straight in, with a socket or seal driver that just fits inside of the plug. If you let it get off center then it'll get all messed up and you'll probably bend the plug trying to pry it back out for another try.
I also edited my post to tell you to get brass ones instead of steel!
I also edited my post to tell you to get brass ones instead of steel!
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
And yes antifreeze will go everywhere, watch your dogs or other animals.
If you're feeling REALLY brave and don't want a big mess you can remove the drain plugs from the block, but with the shape that freeze plug is in I wouldn't mess with the drains (one on each side near the motor mounts I believe).
If you're feeling REALLY brave and don't want a big mess you can remove the drain plugs from the block, but with the shape that freeze plug is in I wouldn't mess with the drains (one on each side near the motor mounts I believe).
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Yes all the coolant will come out. Even if you drain the system its gonna make a mess.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
Oh damn I lied. I was thinking of a Windsor engine, but it looks like you have the 300. Not sure where the drain is on those blocks. Gotta be near the bottom somewhere. Catch can should contain the mess if you do remove the plug.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
Not sure how many freeze plugs on a 300. Count on at least one in the back though. You'll have to remove the transmission if that's the case. Not a hard job, just time consuming since you have to disconnect driveshafts, trans cooler lines, stuff like that. Couple hours maybe to do the ones in the back.
Postmaster
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From: SW Florida
I honestly can't tell you since all my Fords except 2 have been V8's. The 2 exceptions were a 4.0 V6 Ranger and a 2.9 V6 Bronco II, so I can't give you an honest answer. They SEEM to be reliable engines, as long as you take care of them (as is the case with anything mechanical) and don't expect too much in the way of power.