Blown Freeze Plug

Tiny
ACHAMER
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 BUICK CENTURY
  • 2.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 48,000 MILES
I've got the car listed above Limited model with a blown freeze plug. This is my first car, it was garage kept and only has 48,000 original miles on it, it was a gift from my grandparents and belonged to my great grandmother. I have to replace the freeze plug along with my A/C compressor which together is going to be more than the cars total value. Any suggestions on what I should do? The freeze plug is already out of the engine but I'm not sure if I need to replace it or just reinstall the one that came out of the block. The A/C still blows but makes a purring noise when I turn on the A/C or defroster. Below is a picture of the plug that came out of the engine. I believe this is a replacement which makes me think the engine has blown one before.
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 AT 4:45 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Once a freeze plug comes out you do not want to reinstall it. You always want to replace it. As for the compressor, I would not replace it until it is absolutely necessary and then you need to decide if you want to put the money into it.

The reason that this is more then the value of the vehicle is the reason you only want to do proper maintenance and repairs that are necessary.

If it were me, I would replace the freeze plug and drive the vehicle until there is an issue. If the A/C works, don't worry about the noise until there is an issue.

Let us know if you have other questions. Thanks.
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
ACHAMER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So, in other words, don't go looking for problems? What would be the best next step to take?
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Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Haha. Exactly. I would put the freeze plug in and whatever else you need to get it running and operating as it is and then fix what breaks. If there isn't anything broken right now, drive it until there is and then decide if you want to spend the money to fix it, leave it broken (if it is not necessary), or unload the vehicle.

Let me know what other questions you have. Thanks
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Friday, November 6th, 2020 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
ACHAMER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Sounds like a plan to me, thanks for the help!
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Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds great. Thanks for using 2CarPros. Please come back if you need more help with something else in the future.
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Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 AT 1:15 PM

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