Hi,
I have a 2000 Dakota RT that overheated this weekend.
Coolant leaked out somewhere.
I refilled w/ coolant and checked for leaks. It was hard to find
at first, but there's a leak coming out of the bottom side of the block
through a silver plug of some kind. There are several of these silver
plugs on the block that are maybe 1 1/2 " in diameter.
Can anyone tell me what this plug is and what I'm up for to
get this fixed ? And, can I temporarily plug the hole w/ something
like epoxy so that I can drive it to a service center ?

Thanks.

 

It sounds like you are describing the freeze plugs on the block. Here is a definition and it's purpose (besides being a pain): http://autorepair.about.com/cs/gener.../bldef_233.htm

You can also lookup in Google images to see what a freeze plug looks like and see if it matches.

I have only had a leak once with any of my cars and it happens to have been my 98 Caravan. I let the leak go for a couple months since it was nothing more than a very slight trickle and more of a nuisance than anything. If yours is nothing more, you should be OK as well.

Keep in mind this is typically not a cheap repair. While the parts are inexpensive, labor will get you. Likely it will be better in the Dakota than the transverse mounted Caravan...

 

freeze plug. easy fix if it is farthest from the motor mounts. if not they might have to pull engine to replace

 

Thanks Vipes and Superdak. I think you're right.
The leak though is very large; not a trickle. Drains
the radiator in minutes.
So, I have to figure out how to get the truck down
to be serviced without having to also pay for towing.
I might have to try the epoxy idea if nobody else
thinks that's a goofy idea.

 

I would HIGHLY recommend getting the tow rather than risking blowing the whole engine (and maybe needing the tow anyway)...

 

I agree with you Todd. I certainly don't want to drive it hot again.
But, if I can stop the leak temporarily or slow to a trickle, that would
work for me.
Thanks.

 

get some rtv blue gasket sealer and just spooge the hell out of the whole area and refill the radiator. the mechanics will laugh at you but it will save you a tow. pick it up at any auto parts store

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...5&autoview=sku

 

Thanks guys for your suggestions.
I bought two of the rubber expansion plugs from Napa (one spare).
I'm going to try to install it tonight if I have time.
Since all the hammering room is not required for these,
I'm hoping I'll have enough space to screw it in tight;
not to mention getting the old one out.

I'll let ya know how it goes. These were $3.50 / ea. by the way.

 

I got the old plug out without much trouble other than fluid dripping
in my eyes a few times. Had to go flush it out. Otherwise, the plug
came out pretty easy. Unfortunately the new plug is slightly too large
in diameter. I'll have to try to get the correct size today.
There was just enough room beyond the starter motor wires to
slip the new plug in though. I should be able to tighten it w/ a wrench
without too much trouble.

 

Well, I got the plug in and added coolant.
Drove the truck about a mile and it overheated again.
The good news is that the plug held.
So, here's what I did with filling the coolant.
Maybe I did something wrong. I know that normally you
add to the over flow tank while the truck is running. If the
level is low, it's supposed to suck coolant out of the overflow
tank and use it from what I understand. Given how much coolant
I originally lost, I added about 2 gallons thru the radiator cap
hole first, put the cap on and let the motor run. I noted that
no coolant was being drawn out of the overflow tank so I thought
maybe there was enough in the system. Then went for the test drive.
Anybody think my thermostat is shot? Could be whatever is the
cause of this, actually blew the hole out of the weak rusted spot
on the freeze plug?