Freeze plug close to firewall

[backyard13]

Wondering if the freeze plug can be replaced on the drivers side head, by the firewall. 2001 dodge ram 1500 magnum sport club cab. I've looked at it, and it seems really tight squeeze. Is there a special tool? I'd guess knowledge is what a need !!Thanks !!

Jim

 

[Fretters]

Is it actually in need of replacement, or are you just replacing that core plug as matter of course whilst you're doing the others?

 

[Cope]

If you can get the old one out, Dorman used to make a rubber freeze plug that you can get in easier than a steel one you have to hammer.

 

[metaldad]

they're all over. i believe there's a couple hidden by the trans.
did abouts five on my 00 318 durango, with the dorman replacements.

 

[lilredex]

Here is the set and a rear view.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Here ya go http://store.snapon.com/2009FPI-Freeze-Plug-Installer-Kit-Kit-Freeze-Plug-Installer-P635776.aspx and yes it works.

 

[stage20]

I don't know on the dodge some chevy stuff you can make a plate and use the holes in the heads tighten down the plate with bolts. I've also used a socket and a ratchet strap.
That snap on tool looks like you could rotate it around and get the plug in pretty easy. If its not about to fall out or corroded and pouring water id leave it alone

 

[IFMJohn]

they're all over. i believe there's a couple hidden by the trans.
did abouts five on my 00 318 durango, with the dorman replacements.

There is at least one. It was leaking on my 318. I didn't bother to fix it.

 

[Cope]

Here ya go http://store.snapon.com/2009FPI-Freeze-Plug-Installer-Kit-Kit-Freeze-Plug-Installer-P635776.aspx and yes it works.

Made by Lisle, IIRC. Should be available cheaper than from Snap On.

 

[chris142]

you guys must be running some nasty coolant.

 

[toplessHO]

go with brass replacement

 

[pepi]

if you can get the old one out, dorman used to make a rubber freeze plug that you can get in easier than a steel one you have to hammer.

junk!

 

[stage20]

junk!

My take. If you are on the side of the road it will get you there. I've never had any luck, but I know people who have run them. Mine would blow out before I could get it in gear. Lol

 

[Smokeshow69]

Here ya go http://store.snapon.com/2009FPI-Freeze-Plug-Installer-Kit-Kit-Freeze-Plug-Installer-P635776.aspx and yes it works.

I used the otc one that looks exactly like that one and it works awesome. The bent bar extension works great for plugs on the side of the block. Used it in my Power Wagon on 4 of them on the block without pulling a lot of items around the plugs since I used the tool. It really works well. I would recommend this to any one debating the cost!

 

[msgtsmithret]

Ditto above. These freeze plug installers are simple and easy to use. Most important is that they work! Doesn't matter who makes it. Its just a tempered bar with different size arbors.

 

[MattPersman]

Usually the ones that blow out are too small yes they fit in the hole and seem like they would be the right size but they will be too small like jamming a standard in the metric hole, or the next size under. There are so many freeze plug sizes you really need to know what actual size is of the one you need and not just ask a guy at a parts store to see if it fits. Nice thing about the rubber ones sometimes the hole has a lot of corrosion cause well that's why it's leaking and the rubber seals better. Just depends on the project. Call the dealer parts department and get the actual size of the core / freeze plug so you can get the proper replacement.

So if you can get the old one out of your truck, then sure you can get something in there. Give yourself plenty of time to get the repair done and have a plan b in case it doesn't go the way you want.

 

[er3456df]

I used the otc one that looks exactly like that one and it works awesome. The bent bar extension works great for plugs on the side of the block. Used it in my Power Wagon on 4 of them on the block without pulling a lot of items around the plugs since I used the tool. It really works well. I would recommend this to any one debating the cost!

From the pic, I can't figure out what you do with it.

???

I get that the dies/arbors fit the plug, but how does the rod come in?

 

[Cope]

From the pic, I can't figure out what you do with it.

???

I get that the dies/arbors fit the plug, but how does the rod come in?

Like the handle of a seal installer, you hit the end with a hammer and drive the freeze plug home.

 

[wornoutoldman]

From the pic, I can't figure out what you do with it.

???

I get that the dies/arbors fit the plug, but how does the rod come in?

The cool/amazing part is that you don't have to drive/smack it straight on. You can position the rod at extreme angles and the new seal will just pop/seat itself square in the block or head.

This way you can get around any obstructions. Like motor mounts, exhaust manifolds, inner fenders, basically anything that would prevent you from having a direct shot at it.

 

[justme-]

There's a worse one to get on the Cummins engines in the dodges - above the bellhousing in the rear. There's a bolt over replacement made aftermarket because of the difficulty in getting to it.
I'm going to have a couple plugs changed in my 96 CTD since they look like they could let go - it's not a bad idea to change them regardless of coolant if they look rough. Being in the sale belt everything rusts.

 

[zakmartin]

Dodge used the crappiest freeze plugs they could get their grubby little hands on and I see these things go bad all the time. Replace the bad ones with brass Dorman plugs. The rear ones are almost impossible to get to without pulling out the engine. You may have some luck with the rubber plug (as mentioned above). You just pop out the old one (if you can) and put the rubber plug in and bolt the two washers together until the plug is snug in place. You don't need leverage to tap the plug in with a hammer if you use a rubber plug. The problem with the rubber plug is that it's expensive and meant as a temporary fix, though I've never seen one go bad. As far as using a freeze plug tool to tap out the old one: best of luck with that on the Dodge. The plugs at the back of the engine aren't going to show you much mercy.

 

[zakmartin]

you guys must be running some nasty coolant.

It was that godawful HOAT garbage that Chrysler/Dodge/Mercedes used that ate the engine away from the inside out.

 

[SteadyC]

If doorman still makes the "deep" style freeze plugs I would use them. Have had great success with them. Any good machine shop will stock them. Do one do them all is my motto. That is if your going to keep the vehicle.

 

[jhelrey]

Sometimes repairs like that is better off at the dealership because if it continues to leak, you keep bringing it back. Plus, they will know all the tricks working on them often.

 

[stage20]

Sometimes repairs like that is better off at the dealership because if it continues to leak, you keep bringing it back. Plus, they will know all the tricks working on them often.

All the mechanics truicks won't make your bill any cheper. Whatever the book says. Most good mechnics can do it way under book and done right. Thats how they make their living

 

[wild cowboy]

I think the bigger question here is what kind of F**KIN POS vehicle is having freeze plug issues in 2014??

WTF? - this isn't 1947

no excuse for a manufacturer that pulls this ****!

 

[C96]

This vehicle is 13 years old, most likely a work truck of sorts. If you don’t want to waste a lot of time and effort in replacing the plug just grab a hole saw and drill the firewall out inline with the freeze plug. Once you’ve completed the job, fill the hole in the firewall with a body filler plug.

 

[MattPersman]

Is that after you pull the dash that's already cracked and the hvac box?

 

[stage20]

Is that after you pull the dash that's already cracked and the hvac box?

 

[bulletpruf]

Had one let go on my 66 Fairlane convt. Had the original (and tired) 289 at the time, so no surprise there. It was on the backside of the passenger side cylinder head. Spent an hour or two getting the old one out. Another hour or two trying to get the new one in. Finally just pulled the head. That's what I should have done to start with.

 

[er3456df]

The cool/amazing part is that you don't have to drive/smack it straight on. You can position the rod at extreme angles and the new seal will just pop/seat itself square in the block or head.

That is cool!

I hope to god I never need this damn thing. Had a freeze plug go out in my S10, behind the flex plate. Only Chevy had the right size- 32.3mm. No F'n kidding.

 

[vssjim]

Wondering if the freeze plug can be replaced on the drivers side head, by the firewall. 2001 dodge ram 1500 magnum sport club cab. I've looked at it, and it seems really tight squeeze. Is there a special tool? I'd guess knowledge is what a need !!Thanks !!

Jim

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d....oap?ck=Search_N0290_-1_-1&pt=N0290&ppt=C0142

this link shows one size

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...g/N0290/C0142.oap?page=1&sortBy=1&results=All

this link shows all types but has six copper sizes in photos


this is a links link to a Dorman Copper insert freeze plugs they are made to replace or fit in to the old freeze plug shell and seal it up, I have seen many of these in race cars and they work perfect. I don't think alot of people know about them any more but long time mechanics or parts guy's know about them. I would buy two sizes for this one to fit inside the one in the head now and one size it you have to remove the old plug. the one in the photo is just a size for the photo and probably not your size but it is a good photo to see what they look like.