Firewall side freeze plug

TAKTIKS

MEMBER
1997 FORD TAURUS
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
69,000 MILES

Read anything and everything on the subject. Most say to remove transmission. One said a temporary fix is to clean head with "acid" and then apply epoxy. Another said to try a copper-based product from Barr's. Another recommended another product that requires a flush.
I thought I could remove some of the items in the way on top and possibly the exhaust connection. I have scouted it several times with an inspection camera and boy is it tucked in. YouTube's Scotty Kilmer told me to remove motor mounts and jack up engine to see if that would give me some room. Do not know.

5 Replies

AL514

MECHANIC
4,679 POSTS

Hello, are you trying to get a freeze plug out? And why?

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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 9:27 AM

TAKTIKS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, it is corroded and leaking, but difficult to get at. The one directly opposed to the firewall side plug (in front) has been replaced with a rubber expansion type and that is leaking too, but that one is far easier to get to.

Thank you

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Monday, December 9th, 2019 AT 6:41 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

Can you post a picture of the freeze plug you need to replace?

Roy

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Monday, December 9th, 2019 AT 2:53 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,452 POSTS

I would avoid any type of pour in sealer. They sometimes can buy you time enough to replace the vehicle but usually they just plug up the heater core and radiator.
It sounds like they all should be replaced if they have rotted through. Was it from the inside out or outside in? If from the inside out I would plan on replacing all of them as you have one on each side of the block, plus the ones in the heads and then 2 inside the bell housing as well. I would pull the transmission and disconnect the exhaust then the mounts and shift the engine enough that you can replace the block cups from underneath. Then do the two in the rear of the block and the ones in the heads. Wouldn't want you to fight to do the one on the right side and have the others fail a week later.

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Monday, December 9th, 2019 AT 3:48 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response. That way we can see whats going on and the best way to fix it.