1994 Ford Explorer keeps blowing freeze plugs

MULINIXMOMMA

MEMBER
1994 FORD EXPLORER
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
154,000 MILES

Ok, car sat for almost 2 years. The freeze plugs blew out ( per hubby) they were replaced, then had to replace radiator, heater core, hses, thermostat, water pump. Got it running, took one trip roughly about 100 miles round trip, (it's a long way to town) then went to drive again next day, freeze plug next to passenger side front tire well blew out again. Replaced it with a steel plug from autozone. Drove about 30 miles, no issues. Got in today, drove about 1 mile, freeze plug, same one, blew again. What might be causing this issue?

6 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Make sure there is no rust or residual pieces from previous plugs, then look for a crack around hole with a very bright light. If ok use blue Loctite around plug and see if that keeps it in. It is possible the previous ones were not installed all theway either.

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Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 AT 6:54 AM

MULINIXMOMMA

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7 POSTS

Will the locktite work if I replace it with another ruber style, or only with the steel?

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Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 AT 5:01 PM

MULINIXMOMMA

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7 POSTS

Sorry, rubber

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Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 AT 5:02 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

It will only work with steel or brass. One thing iforgot you might check compression and when you get the plug installedcheck for coolant leak, you may have a head gasket putting compression into coolant passages.

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Wednesday, February 26th, 2014 AT 7:08 AM

MULINIXMOMMA

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7 POSTS

Did a dry and then a wet compression test, average is 130 per plug. I think there might be a small chip in the mounting hole for the freeze plug. Going to try a new rubber plug in the morning.