Do I have a problem??

[JEly]

I was adding washer fluid and noticed on the top passenger side of engine there is what looks like allen head plugs screwed into the block and I noticed one of the bigger ones had what appeared to be dried coolent or something on the top of plug like it had been leaking. Is this something to be concerned with? The plug is tight-----I didnt try real hard to re-tighten-----but I am wondering if I should have dealer check out?



Thanks

JIM

 

[cclark746]

I was adding washer fluid and noticed on the top passenger side of engine there is what looks like allen head plugs screwed into the block and I noticed one of the bigger ones had what appeared to be dried coolent or something on the top of plug like it had been leaking. Is this something to be concerned with? The plug is tight-----I didnt try real hard to re-tighten-----but I am wondering if I should have dealer check out?



Thanks

JIM

my 03 did that i pulled the plugs out and cleaned them really good and put some new pipe dope on the threads and put them back in. It is a common problem. When you do pull them out if you do it yourself only do one at a time and dont take the radiator cap off. If you pull more than one out at a time you will loose a lot of coolant, because you will loose your air lock.

 

[rbattelle]

Mine have seeped coolant since new. Not enough to actually be wet, just enough to leave a little bit of "crust" around the base.

I've never touched them, and have no plans to.

Ryan

 

[JEly]

Thats what mine looks like----------orange/pink crust. Just on top nothing on the sides.

If I do it myself what is the torque specs for those plugs? Any problems with losing coolent?



Jim

 

[rbattelle]

I think those plugs are pipe thread, and there's no torque spec in the service manual.

If you're going to do it, just snug them up. Remember to clean the threads spotless and use a high-temperature, high-quality thread sealant.

My personal curse in life is an almost complete inability to make leak-free threaded fittings, so I can't offer much good advice on the subject.

Ryan

 

[JEly]

OK Thanks... ... ... ... ... I take it if I dont take radiator cap off I wont loose much coolent? Any special brand of sealent better than others?



Jim

 

[rbattelle]

In terms of sealants, I can tell you what's supposed to be among "the best":

Block (By Hercules Chemical)
Swak (By Swagelok - one of the finest fittings manufacturers in the world)
Loctite 567 (I think this link will take you there)
XPando (By Xpando)

I've tried all of these, EXCEPT Xpando, and none worked for me in any application (diesel, oil, water). Xpando will be the next thing I try.

Again - I'm cursed, so just because a sealant failed with me doesn't mean it's no good.

Ryan

 

[DPKetchum]

Just tightened them. Takes just a few seconds. LOTS of these leak/seep. Mine were not much more then finger tight and snugged them up a few years ago with no issues since. Friends of mine with 03s did the same thing.

 

[B.Workman]

take it from an old pipe fitter,in my opinion there is nothing better than keytite pipe dope

 

[MMeier]

Just tighten 'em down, why waste coolant if you don't have too, mine were loose also.