[jshcobra]

Today I noticed a small puddle of antifreeze under the passenger side of the car. On closer inspection, it looks like the rearmost freeze plug on that side is weeping. I expect it simply is rusted and needs to be replaced. Is this hard to replace with the engine in the car or am I looking at pulling everything apart?

Any tips on removing and installing a new plug will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hoss]

Im thinking if you remove your starter and exhaust manifold, you could get to it. It isnt easy to do with the engine in the car but it can be done.
I wouldnt recommend using the expandable rubber plug....I had a nasty experience with one.

 

[jshcobra]

I was able to get at it last night and luckily, it was the one right next to the starter. I didn't even have to remove anything. The old plug had a significant rust hole in it that was caked with some sort of goop that I can only describe as having the consistency of chewing gum. I can't believe it's lasted all these years without a major leak.

The car gods have smiled upon me this time and I pray that the condition of this plug is not representative of the others.

 

[cougarshaman]

If you get a long weekend, make plans to replace the rest. It's not that hard to yank the engine and replace them once you rent a cherry picker.

 

[Harvey]

are the new ones just press fitted in? Do you use some type of sealant on them?

 

[jshcobra]

They're press fit with black rtv sealant. No leaks (so far).

 

[Hoss]

I was able to get at it last night and luckily, it was the one right next to the starter. I didn't even have to remove anything. The old plug had a significant rust hole in it that was caked with some sort of goop that I can only describe as having the consistency of chewing gum.

I hate to say it, but you probably already know the others will be simalar. My car has had that same crap show up....my guess along the way a someone used some "stop leak"
instead of properly fixing the problem.
Im glad you got it going though. I like when the Car Gods smile...

 

[mn12xr7]

i just replace one in my car, the middle passenger side one behind the motor mount. Took about two hours to do only cause I had jack up the engine, remove the motor mount and then hammer it in with the freeze plug tool (its a L shaped tool ). put everything back and no leaks. Thought about doing the others but the rest seem to be ok, as if they were replace before I bought the car.

 

[mopardon]

I use permatex 3H aviation sealer on them. And a socket about an 1/8 of an inch smaller to install them with. If the soket is to big it will become trapped inside the cup once installed.

 

[Bad69cat]

^^Ditto to Don's fix. Also go to Brass if your going to the trouble to replace 'em. Then they will never rot out on you --- Particularly if you have the motor out!!

 

[jshcobra]

I'm amazed this didn't strand me on the highway somewhere. That stop leak gunk must be pretty powerful magic.

 

[SeanD]

Wow gross.

 

[70XR7]

Been so there and done that. I to was a lucky one. The others looked pretty good. Drivers side. Didn't have to remove anything.