Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Soft Plug Leaking

[WyoJim]

I was just getting ready to load the camper for a trip to Penna when I noticed antifreeze on the garage floor. Couldn't see where it was coming from for sure so I took it to my local mechanic.



It is a soft plug on the back of the head next to the fire wall with no room to work so he does not want to attempt it.



Does the head have to be pulled or what?



If so, do any of you Wyoming guys have any thing good to say about the cummins shop in Cody?

 

[B9Mile]

Do a search for rear freeze plug.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=99062&



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=87543&



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=29367&

 

[WyoJim]

Thanks B9Mile,



Going to take to Cody next wednesday. They are going to pull the head. 8 hrs at $61 per hour + gaskets. Probably going to push the hell out of $600.



I looked at it with a mirror and really do think pulling the head is the best way.



6 years and 115,000 miles and this is the first time it has needed anything. Every thing else is original except the transmission whitch I overpowered and had to soup it up.



One thing I got out of your search was the idea of replacing all of the freeze plugs that are in the head as long as the head is off.

Something to think about.



Any how thanks again for your responce... ..... Jim Mackey

 

[rblomquist]

I thought I had that same freeze plug leaking too. When I took it in to be fixed it was the head gasket itself. It's hard to see back there and the odd way the fluid ran looked just like it was coming from that plug but it wasn't. I'd be interested to see what the condition of your head gasket is when they tear it down.



Also, have you done any performance bombing lately or starting using the truck differently? Mine reared its ugly head after I got my fuel box and at starting towing a much heavier trailer than I used to have.



Good luck.

 

[B9Mile]

While you are in there with the head off, decide what you want to do with your KDP, if you haven't taken care of it already.



Just for your general info, might as well check the valve lash before they pull the head. It will be interesting to see how things are doing in there.

 

[WyoJim]

Hey, those guys at Wyoming Diesel Power are all right.



They did not pull the head..... They took the leaking freeze plug out with an easy out, then threaded the hole and screwed in a 1/8 inch pipe plug. Saved me about $400. 00.



But he did charge me $100. 00 to adjust the valves which he said were awful loose. He must have been right, its a lot quieter.



His comment..... Hey that thing has some power.



I'm happy!!!

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by WyoJim

They took the leaking freeze plug out with an easy out, then threaded the hole and screwed in a 1/8 inch pipe plug.

Just don't ever run it without the proper anti-freeze mixture. Freeze that head and it will crack.