Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Please Help! strange coolant leak

[KKeen]

Hey guys, Might not be strange to you guys , but my truck is leaking a stream of coolant out of the rear of the cylinder head, on the corner behind the rear cylinder exhaust manifold, there appears to be a threaded hole about 3/8 diam. There is a freeze plug next to it, but it is coming out of the hole in a stream. Any help would be appreciated Thanks

 

[KKeen]

I got a closer look at the hole and it looks like a small freeze plug that has corroded through. Has anyone had experience replacing one of these small freeze plugs? It is in a tight spot but pulling the head is not an attractive option. Why is there different size plugs? Thanks

 

[ThrottleJockey]

CAREFULLY screw a small sheet metal screw into the hole and try to pry that thing out.



CAREFULLY.



Then put in a new one. Put some Red Permatex on it if you want and gently tap it in. Not too far!



Brian

 

[KKeen]

Yep that was my idea also. the plug seems to be pretty corroded, and not much metal to grab on. Screw pulled loose. Someone mentioned an easy out to maybe get it turning. But I just noticed a crack in my exhaust manifold so with it out of the way I think I can get to the plug better. Wonder how much a stock manifold will cost? Probably less than a couple payments on a new truck

 

[trqmnstr]

Check Ebay for a stock one or an ATS runs about $375. I saw some stock 12-valvers but none for 24.

 

[rkressg]

If it is the freeze plug I am thinking of (back side of the head), than this is a pretty common problem. I replaced mine a while ago; it was a total bear to get in there, but I was able to fix it. Snap-On makes a tool specifically for changing freeze plugs, but I could not justify the price. Once you remove it, you can punch the new one in, just put some sealent on the plug first.

-Rich