Notices
Aerostar Ford Aerostar

Freeze Plug Location

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 11, 2006 | 04:33 AM
  #1  
tomucen's Avatar
tomucen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
Freeze Plug Location

I want to replace my old freeze plugs with brass ones as recommended in this forum. I am about to ask a friend in the US to buy them and send them over.
I looked into the manual yesterday and tried to find a picture that shows me how many freeze plugs the engine has and where they are located. Unfortunately I did not even find a hint. Can someone help me? And what's the best way to get the old ones out?
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2006 | 05:35 AM
  #2  
krankshaft's Avatar
krankshaft
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey, New Jersey
They are located towards the bottom of the block.

A screw driver works to remove them a socket and a hammer is a good tool to reinstall them.

It is a little cramped around them so be sure to take your time and have your tools ready.
 

Last edited by krankshaft; Mar 11, 2006 at 05:39 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2006 | 05:37 AM
  #3  
Pablo-UA's Avatar
Pablo-UA
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
There are 3 plugs in the engine block (2 - pass. side, 1 - drv. side). 2 plugs in each head. It is easier to replace plugs in the block from underneath (remove the oil filter before). I use a big screwdriver and hammer to get old ones out.
Remove plugs from head from under the hood (remove PS pump and alternator before) and from the insede the cabin (there is a hatch), but remove a coil before.
I used RTV with new plugs to prevent leackages.

It is easy to make new plugs. You need to find a shop with lathe. Cheap job here. I made them of stailess steel.
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2006 | 05:40 AM
  #4  
Pablo-UA's Avatar
Pablo-UA
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
I have fogotten about 2 plugs under the flightwheel! To replace them you have to remove a tranny!
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2006 | 11:06 AM
  #5  
JTHill24's Avatar
JTHill24
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 1
From: Orland USA
tomucen:

Go here http://jthill.herringtontech.net/aerostar/engine.html
and you can see where they are.

The Block uses 5 of them that are 1 1/2"
The Heads use 4 of them that are 1 1/4"

JaY
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2006 | 12:24 AM
  #6  
krankshaft's Avatar
krankshaft
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey, New Jersey
You'll also notice in one of those pictures is the block coolant drain screw directly under the drain plug which I was able to break loose during my coolant flush in addition to draining the radiator prior. I wanted to drain as much coolant as possible.

Since your replacing the plugs you may want to try to remove it and put some anti-sieze on it.
 

Last edited by krankshaft; Mar 12, 2006 at 12:32 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2006 | 07:06 PM
  #7  
cbr900's Avatar
cbr900
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: brooksville, florida
be warned this is a really akward job to do it is really difficault to get at the freeze plugs with the engine in place. Taking then out is not the hardest part putting them back in is, you can't get a good straight hit on them with a hammer which you need to do to be able to put then back in correctly. I found a small bottle jack and some 2x2 wood helpfull to get them back in, you have to place the wood on the frame rail then the jack with a socket the right size to fit inside the freeze plug, once you have got them started with the jack you can then tap them in the rest of the way with a small hammer.
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2006 | 09:15 AM
  #8  
Pablo-UA's Avatar
Pablo-UA
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
I dont know why, but for me it is easier to put it them in! I use hammer and a little bar to do it!
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 14, 2006 | 06:21 AM
  #9  
tomucen's Avatar
tomucen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
oh boy, I don't think I'll do that. Looks like a nightmare.....
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2006 | 06:53 AM
  #10  
96_4wdr's Avatar
96_4wdr
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
unless you are having a freeze plug leak problem, I would leave them alone...with full flush and antifreeze change every 2 years and using only distilled water, the freeze plugs will last as long as engine rotating components...
if you rebuild engine, change freeze plugs then, coat inside and out with this or similar product prior to install and let dry...will outlast driver

http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/auto_Permatex_High_Tack_Gasket_Sealant.htm

i use this every fall...many similar anti corrosion water pump seal lubricant products
http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_vehcare_lub.htm
 

Last edited by 96_4wdr; Mar 14, 2006 at 07:06 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2006 | 07:36 AM
  #11  
Pablo-UA's Avatar
Pablo-UA
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
It is really posiible, but forget a hope to be clean after that! Use glowes! I did it twice!
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2006 | 06:32 AM
  #12  
tomucen's Avatar
tomucen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
thanks for info. The engine is dry so I'll leave them alone. I am due for a coolant flush anyway next month. And the spark plugs are due in summer so I will get my share of bruised knuckles anyway.....
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2006 | 06:35 AM
  #13  
Pablo-UA's Avatar
Pablo-UA
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
Sometimes freeze plugs and hoses may leak ufter cooling system flush.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2006 | 01:51 PM
  #14  
copper_90680's Avatar
copper_90680
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by tomucen
thanks for info. The engine is dry so I'll leave them alone. I am due for a coolant flush anyway next month. And the spark plugs are due in summer so I will get my share of bruised knuckles anyway.....
Tomucen:

What size of engine do you have? 3.0L or 4.0L?
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2006 | 06:14 AM
  #15  
tomucen's Avatar
tomucen
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
I have the 3.0
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:12 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE