Anyone ever replace freeze plugs?

akcskye · May 10, 2009

Dad has found that all the freeze plugs in the Ranger have done their job...and they all need replaced.

But, there are SO many things right in the way...is he going to have to pull the engine to get to them all?

Thanks!

BTW: 2.3L with coil packs is the engine, 1991.

Tedybear · May 10, 2009

It would be probably easier in the long run to pull the engine and put it on a stand. Keep in mind it's a two fold process-- Getting the old plugs out, without having one fall into the block...And installing the new ones at the correct depth, without driving them in to deep--so they fall into the block. You can kinda see where I'm going with this.

You state your dad found the freeze plugs "did their job"? Did the engine blocks coolant actually "Freeze"????

S-

shadetree · May 10, 2009

Tedybear said:
It would be probably easier in the long run to pull the engine and put it on a stand. Keep in mind it's a two fold process-- Getting the old plugs out, without having one fall into the block...And installing the new ones at the correct depth, without driving them in to deep--so they fall into the block. You can kinda see where I'm going with this.

You state your dad found the freeze plugs "did their job"? Did the engine blocks coolant actually "Freeze"????

S-

"Freeze plugs" have nothing to do with freezing. They are actually core plugs used for dumping sand out of the block during the casting process.

They outlive their usefulness by rusting out.

There are core plugs on the rear of the head and block that you cannot get to without engine removal.

shady

akcskye · May 10, 2009

Yes, they "blew" when the truck's coolant froze.

Hubby put in a pre-mix coolant and I don't know if it was very dilute or what...but the engine froze and stayed froze for a week.

Tedybear said:
You state your dad found the freeze plugs "did their job"? Did the engine blocks coolant actually "Freeze"????

S-

4b316 · May 11, 2009

I would take a chance and put in the ones I could get to without pulling the motor.If you froze the motor,it probably cracked the block between 2 and 3 cylinder so just put the plugs you can reach and dump some water in it and see if it runs out anywheres.As stated you will have to pull the motor if you have a leak in the back of the block but again if it froze,it could crack the block between 2 and 3,split the rad or crack the head between the valves,very weak water jacket spots there.

Tedybear · May 11, 2009

shadetree said:
"Freeze plugs" have nothing to do with freezing. They are actually core plugs used for dumping sand out of the block during the casting process.

They outlive their usefulness by rusting out.

There are core plugs on the rear of the head and block that you cannot get to without engine removal.shady

I'm well aware of the purpose of the "Freeze Plugs". Personally they should be called "core plugs" LOL.

Also note my "alarm" when he mentioned the freeze plugs did their job--meaning a possible engine freeze up---which could mean the block may have cracked.

Might be worthwhile to get an inspection mirror into the hard to reach areas and give the rear ones a good look. If it's just the ones that are simple to get to? Replace 'em and see if it leaks. With luck it'll be sealed. If not? You'll know where the leak is.

S-

4b316 · May 12, 2009

You can't just "look" at the rear one,as it is behind the bellhousing but if he plugs the others he will see if water runs out the drain hole in the bottom of the bell

Anyone ever replace freeze plugs?

akcskye

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