| Username | Post: Leaking freeze plug (Topic#375043) |
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 Eth727"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member Posts: 575  Loc: San Diego Reg: 04-17-19 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-17-24 12:25 PM - Post#2869982 Hey guys I noticed this freeze plug has a little leak. What do yall recommend I do with it?
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 ss3964spd"6th Year" Gold Supporting Member Posts: 4665  Loc: Fairfax, Va Reg: 12-21-00 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-17-24 12:51 PM - Post#2869984 In response to Eth727 Aside from ignoring it, I feel like there's but 2 options; remove and replace, or pour a can of stop leak into the radiator and hope it stops the freeze plug leak. Dan If I recall correctly my memory is excellent. My ability to access it is not.
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 62sedanVery Senior Member Posts: 4247  Age: 73 Loc: Above the red Texas dirt Reg: 08-12-02 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-17-24 02:46 PM - Post#2869988 In response to ss3964spd CHANGE that plug now while you have easy access. If you don't, it will only get worse and cost you more $$$ to remedy later. CHANGE IT!!! Chuck
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| Eth727 "2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member Posts: 575 Loc: San Diego Reg: 04-17-19 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-17-24 04:00 PM - Post#2869990 In response to 62sedan Is it 1 5/8?
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| kingkreeton Frequent Contributor Posts: 1774  Loc: Houston TX Reg: 04-15-11 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-17-24 06:28 PM - Post#2869997 In response to Eth727 Over the years, when I have seen one freeze plug start leaking, the other ones won't be far behind. It's usually the ones that are the most pain in the rear to get access to as well. Not a fun job, good luck. Shane
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| japete92 Frequent Contributor Posts: 2260  Loc: No. Virginia Reg: 01-18-13 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-18-24 07:21 AM - Post#2870006 In response to 62sedan
CHANGE that plug now while you have easy access. If you don't, it will only get worse and cost you more $$$ to remedy later. CHANGE IT!!! Fast forward into the near future: Your post: 'When the car sits for a while I get the small pool of what smells like coolant under the car near the bell housing. What should I do?' Back to today: Replace them all while accessible. Unless you wanna pull it apart again. And, flush and change the coolant while at it. Pete Edited by japete92 on 05-18-24 07:23 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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| Eth727 "2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member Posts: 575 Loc: San Diego Reg: 04-17-19 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-18-24 08:33 AM - Post#2870009 In response to japete92 Yeah so to remove the plug , just whack it out with a punch and remove with pliers?
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| junky Valued Contributor Posts: 4087 Loc: Northeast CT Reg: 06-27-10 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-18-24 01:38 PM - Post#2870023 In response to Eth727 I would start by using a commercial cleaner on the block, radiator, and heater core, and make sure that everything is clean. You might as well add hoses to the project also. Find every freeze plug and pull them out. I used a drill and made a hole in them and then put a hooked puller into the hole and yanked them out like I was a dentist. It is a pain to get to all of them, and I don't remember but some cars had a couple at the back of the engine. I never bothered with the brass plugs, because by the next time the steel ones rust out, good chances are that neither of us will be living. Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.
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| 327 Contributor Posts: 452 Age: 63 Loc: Ontario , Canada Reg: 02-09-21 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-18-24 05:37 PM - Post#2870027 In response to Eth727 It's a no brainer, Change it. !!!
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| kingkreeton Frequent Contributor Posts: 1774 Loc: Houston TX Reg: 04-15-11 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-19-24 06:39 AM - Post#2870036 In response to Eth727
Yeah so to remove the plug , just whack it out with a punch and remove with pliers? You forgot you have to drain the block and add numerous hours of cursing before coming to the conclusion that it would be easier to do it on a lift. There will be all kinds of stuff in your way and installing them can be just a tricky a removing them for the lack of room to swing a hammer. If you decide to replace only the one leaking, you will be back at it in less than a year. The corrosion is usually caused by improper water/coolant mixture. Your radiator will also suffer as a result. Shane
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| 62sedan Very Senior Member Posts: 4247 Age: 73 Loc: Above the red Texas dirt Reg: 08-12-02 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-19-24 09:03 AM - Post#2870038 In response to kingkreeton When you change it out, be sure to replace with a BRASS freeze plug. Any replacement steel freeze plug will corrode a lot quicker. Chuck
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| bobb Super Senior Member Posts: 6667 Loc: paradise Reg: 09-05-03 User Info Send Private Topic | 05-19-24 03:37 PM - Post#2870046 In response to Eth727 i would replace it with brass and some sealer. if you flush the system it may cause more leaks. run antifreeze. 70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails.
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| G. Baker Contributor Posts: 108 Loc: Ontario Canada Reg: 12-18-15 User Info Send Private Topic | 06-10-24 06:44 AM - Post#2870714 In response to Eth727 I lost an engine when one blew out. It was a Block Heater one and improperly installed. GM would not warranty it of course. Take it to a shop that is familiar with replacement and get them all done within reach. It is corroding and Stop Leak won't stop that. Keep an eye on others you can't get at, or pull engine and manifolds.
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FAQs
How to stop freeze plug from leaking? ›
Instead, add BlueDevil Pour-N-Go to your cooling system. BlueDevil Pour-N-Go is incredibly simple to use and will seal a leaking freeze plug without having to drain and refill your cooling system or ever crawl under your vehicle.
Will K Seal fix a leaking freeze plug? ›Save money with K-Seal
It permanently repairs leaks in the head gasket, block, radiator, heater core, freeze plug and water pump casing.
If you have no other option, you may be able to drive with a bad freeze plug. Freeze plugs rarely fall out or fail completely so they cause slow leaks. As long as you keep your engine coolant full and your engine never gets hot, you could limp your car along with a leaking freeze plug although we never recommend it.
What is the most common cause of freeze plug failure that allows a coolant leak to develop? ›For instance, the galvanized steel that makes up the freeze plugs can rust over time, promoting leaks. Leaky freeze plugs can lead to serious problems. Even a slow, pinhole-size leak will allow your coolant levels to drop, making your vehicle chronically vulnerable to overheating that can destroy the engine.
How much does it cost to fix a freeze plug leak? ›A faulty freeze plug could cause coolant leaks, resulting in engine overheating and failure. Repairs can get pricey, with some going over $1,000.
What are the symptoms of a freeze plug leak? ›If you have water or coolant leaking from the side of your engine or between the engine & transmission, you most likely have a bad freeze plug. Sometimes the hole in the freeze plug is very small, and can periodically be blocked by debris from the cooling system.
Will K-Seal damage my engine? ›No. Scientifically tested, K‑Seal will not cause any harm to your car or its engine, nor will it damage the pump. It simply does what it says on the bottle: seals holes in your coolant system and cracks in your head gasket with ease, without the risk of blockages.
What's better than K-Seal? ›Advantage: Steel Seal will permanently seal cracks, withstand very high temperatures and high pressure. Can be used in water cooled engine in both petrol and diesel engines. Compatible with all types of antifreeze.
What happens when a freeze plug fails? ›defective engine Freeze plugs have the potential to cause extremely severe damage to the cooling system and engine of the vehicle, which is very expensive and difficult to repair. Additionally, an overheated engine may cause a MOT emissions test to fail.
Can I drive with anti freeze leak? ›Is It Safe to Drive with a Coolant Leak? While driving with a coolant leak doesn't pose an immediate threat to your well-being, we highly recommend that you avoid doing so. Driving a car that is leaking coolant can cause serious damage to your engine. Your engine can overheat, costing you big time.
What does it mean if my car is leaking anti freeze? ›
Common Reasons Coolant Leaks from Your Car
Coolant hoses and gaskets that have weakened over time are usually the source of coolant leaks, but there are several other potential causes, too. If your coolant is leaking from the water pump, it could mean that the impeller blades or shaft seal have worn down.
The best thing is to replace the freeze plug, any over the counter water sealant is just a temporary measure. Also if one freeze plug is leaking it won't be long before another will start and on and on until they are all replaced. Why is water coolant leaking from the back of an engine?
What causes antifreeze to leak when the AC is on? ›Coolant leaks can occur for any number of reasons. In a newer unit, the most likely reason why a coolant leak would occur is because the unit was not installed properly to begin with or because of a factory defect that was previously undetected. Another potential cause of A/C coolant leaks is HVAC damage.
Why is my car leaking antifreeze but can't find a leak? ›If you're losing coolant but don't see drips or puddles on the ground, the coolant might be leaking inside the engine or from the heater core. Bad cylinder-head gaskets can leak either to the outside, which will leave spots on the ground, or into the engine's combustion chamber.
Why does my anti freeze keep leaking? ›Coolant hoses and gaskets that have weakened over time are usually the source of coolant leaks, but there are several other potential causes, too. If your coolant is leaking from the water pump, it could mean that the impeller blades or shaft seal have worn down.