Rear Freeze Plug In Block Solutions?

[Stamey]

My buddy's 2004. 5 blew out the rear freeze plug in the block on Saturday. Se this thread: http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?t=137584

We got the parts described in that thread to put the flange on the back of the head and do away with the freeze plug, but turns out there is a metal line running around the back of the head and it's in the way of getting that flange placed in the right spot.

Has anyone else tried this, and succeeded?

I'd like to know how others have solved this problem, even if you didn't use the flange.

I did see something about a plate that goes across the back of the head, that would probably fit between the head and the line, and I even saw a ppicture of it, but have not been able to find a part number for it, and the Cummins dealer had not heard of it. They even said they hadn't heard of Dodges popping the rear freeze plug out.



We'll figure this out, but I'd like to hear about any other creative solutions others have thought of.



Thanks,

Chris

 

[JVolpe]

I blew mine out on the track. Put in new freeze plug and and Michael at HotRodDiesels put metal cap over it to hold in place. I don't think there is any body really selling a part to do it, just fabbing up one when needed.



Someone did post a picture of a plate on one, but I can't find it right now.



This is a link on earlier post that describes what was done to cap the rear freeze plug.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164834&highlight=freeze+plug

 

[AMassaro]

Is there any way to avoid this before it happens? There has to be a way to strengthen this plug... Also, can you see the plug from the engine compartment or from under the truck?

 

[WUnderwood]

you can barely see it when the transmission is in, it is work by feel back there. as far as I know, there isnt a fix for it so far. I blew mine out also

 

[TWhiteside]

Other day there was a freeze plug laying under my '06 truck in the garage??? Dealer swears it is not from my engine. Nothing is leaking - Wouldn't something leak with a freeze plug missing???

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Lets try this



View attachment 62506



I'd bet the block would split before it came off. New plug with locktite, RTV on the plate that is 1/8" thick and M12 bolts. Needless to say I didn't want to pull the transmission again.

Jim

 

[AMassaro]

Jim, those m12 bolts, how long are they? Do you think I could accomplish this from the engine compartment with some mirrors and an extra hand? I'd just fab up the plate with holes and bolt in place.

Thanks

 

[Jeff_K]

Here is some pics of the plate I made for my freeze plug when it blew out.



#ad


#ad


#ad

 

[AMassaro]

Same bolts?

 

[WUnderwood]

Jeffs is like mine, it goes through 3 bolt holes instead of Jim's 2, but they both will work fine. I just dont want to do it again.

I think those who are pushing the envelope, 12valve(Fulmer), 24 valve, and the Common Rails are all having/did have this problem, and I wish there was an easier fix

 

[oneshotkyle]

one of you guys needs to share a template for us who haven't had the problem yet but always wonder if it will be us next... ... . just my . 02

 

[GWoody]

We used JB Weld and the plate. Might have to chisel it out if it ever needs to come out.

 

[Jeff_K]

I just posted the template that I used in my photo gallery along with a description of how I made the plate. Hope this helps:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/151

 

[AMassaro]

Thanks brother... now I just gotta see if I can do this without removing the transmission... :-laf

 

[WUnderwood]

its going to be tough, be patient

 

[sag2]

Ok, I made a paper template yesterday and I'm going to buy sone 4" strap 1/8 thick to make a couple.

How do you download and print the paint template from the link. I want to see if the dimensions fit the template I made.

If we make a few maybe we can get a couple to members in the west, middle, and east parts of the country so they can mail them to members that need them, and not have to pay next day charges to get them accross the country. I would think we could make and mail them for less than $20 each. Kind of like loaning out the KDP repair kit.

 

[Jeff_K]

Looks like the TDR photo gallery resized the pic I posted, so PM me your e-mail address and I will send you the original "to scale" picture and instructions on how to print it to scale using paint.

 

[NDietel]

I fixed my rear freeze plug with a billet plug from Keating Machine. I also sent my head out to Raymac to be decked and O-ringed. My rear plug holds just fine but now I blew a side freeze plug. I just ordered Keating Machines side billet freeze plugs in hope to fix my problems for good. Its odd, but I noticed that most trucks blowing plugs have smarty boxes.

 

[AMassaro]

Maybe we should ask the question as to why this is happening in the first place?

Freeze plugs are in the block to relieve pressure if the water freezes and expands, correct? This is to protect the block from cracking. Some of us are creating a great amount of pressure in the coolant causing the blow-outs. Does anyone think we can fab up some type of pressure release valve to alleviate the situation? Obviously it's not happening on the radiator cap relief side, so something would have to be block mounted... I've got some ideas, what about you guys?

 

[jwilliams3]

Enterprise engine already has one for the 2nd gen trucks. I dont know if it would work for a 3rd gen.

It mounts to the back of the block and relieves back into the radiator if I remember right.



Fab up a plate over the plug hole then thread in a brass elbow and then run a hose to your choice of locations.