Coolant leaking from freeze plug area!

Gonzalo Duque · Jul 5, 2006

I've done a search for this problem and came upon a couple entries that seem similar but didn't have any resolution.

I've got a coolant leak, passenger side rear, above the rack & pinion and from what I can tell it seems to be coming from the rear freeze/core plug. It's a pinhole leak and it's spraying out pretty good. My starter is all wet and the bottom of it is rusted! With the car on ramps I can't get my head in there due to the tire being in the way and on top of that the stream of the coolant sprays straight out. Coolant in the eyes stings a bit!

Could it be coming from this silver freeze plug or is there some sort of hose that's pinched back there that I can't see?

If it is the freeze plug the starter would have to be dropped in order to get access to it. Could I just patch it with some JB Weld or similar or does it really need to be replaced? There is very little room to maneuver back there! Gotta drive the wife's '01 Windstar until I can get this fixed!

Thanks!!

94 Daily Driven 4.6L · Jul 5, 2006

I can't think of any hoses in that area so it's probably a freeze plug. It might be the heater core hose with a pin hole spraying down there, but it's hard to see anything since everything is so tight in that area.

As for fixing it, I would suggest pulling it out and installing a new one. You probably won't have enough room to install a new metal one, but they make a rubber type that works well for a repair. You'll just lose the function of that freeze plug if you use the rubber type. (i.e. it won't pop out if the block freezes).

Freeze plugs are a PITA on any engine when they start leaking!!! :bawling:

Good luck! :thumbsup:

Gonzalo Duque · Jul 5, 2006

Thanks for your reply!

I don't think it's a heater core hose, that area up top is dry and the area above the freeze plugs is dry as well. It's definitely coming from the silver plug area. Perhaps the rubber around the plug is bad?

94 Daily Driven 4.6L · Jul 5, 2006

The "regular" plugs just have a small coating of sealant around them and are pressed in. The "replacement" plugs are what use the rubber.

Original:
http://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com/online/images/6026-3.jpg

"Universal":
http://www.midwayautosupply.com/images/motormite/10233_3X.jpg
http://www.source1outlet.com/images/PoolPlugs.JPG
(I couldn't find an actual photo of the automotive type, but they are basically identical to the last photo with a washer and nut/bolt instead of the wing nut)

I'm pretty sure any auto parts store carries them, you just need to know what the diameter is.

Stevie G · Jul 5, 2006

if all else fails. jb weld

Gonzalo Duque · Jul 5, 2006

Thanks Stevie,

I just might try that JB Weld, I don't want this thing popping all the way out if that's even a possibility of what could happen. To get in there I need to take the starter out AND I need to be a contortionist! There is NO space in there!

Thanks.....

Coolant leaking from freeze plug area!

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