Freeze plugs.... I think Im in trouble....

[80VetteL82]

I think I may have a problem. Ive recently noticed coolant in small puddles under my car. After some investigation Ive narrowed it down to what appears to be 2 freeze plugs leaking, 1 at the front left of the block and the other in the middle of the right side just above the starter. Leaking freeze plugs....that means time for a rebuild right? :ugh

80vetteL82

 

[KANE]

I think I may have a problem. Ive recently noticed coolant in small puddles under my car. After some investigation Ive narrowed it down to what appears to be 2 freeze plugs leaking, 1 at the front left of the block and the other in the middle of the right side just above the starter. Leaking freeze plugs....that means time for a rebuild right? :ugh

80vetteL82

Not unless you want to rebuild it!

Remember, the freeze plugs give water some place to go so that when it freezes... it doesn't ruin your block.

You can replace them or have a shop do it!

 

[80VetteL82]

Right... they allow the water to expand without cracking the block. I thought I had heard somewhere along the way that when they pop its a bad sign, good to know they are replacable. Thanks for your input.

 

[JohnZ]

Right... they allow the water to expand without cracking the block. I thought I had heard somewhere along the way that when they pop its a bad sign, good to know they are replacable. Thanks for your input.

They're rusting from the inside out, and can be replaced. Actually, they have nothing to do with freeze protection - they plug the holes used in the foundry to shake the sand cores out of the raw block casting.

 

[80VetteL82]

They're rusting from the inside out, and can be replaced. Actually, they have nothing to do with freeze protection - they plug the holes used in the foundry to shake the sand cores out of the raw block casting.

Hmmm good to know. The only thing is it looks like theyre going to be tough to get at. Anybody here ever replace them with the motor still bolted into the car? Im thinking I may have to jack the motor up a little, or remove it because a couple look like theyre in tough spots.

 

[2VettesMike]

I had a very similar problem a couple of years ago. If memory serves you can probably change the right side above the starter but the left side is behind the motor mount. I found it easier to lift the engine to replace them. If two are leaking the others aren't far behind, especially if they are rusting from the inside out.

 

[6880 Mike]

I agree. Access will be the big headache. There is a tool which pops these right in. You might want to check to see if you can rent/borrow one when the time comes. I also agree that if you have two leaking, it's only a matter of time before the others follow suit.