Hi all, I recently noticed a coolant leak after just replacing water pump and thermostat. So, I took the truck in for a pressure test and the leak is coming from one of the freeze plugs. I've been hearing from a few people that this is a sign of not much more life left in the motor. Is this true or are people just blowing smoke???

Stats on Truck:
97 Dodge Ram 2500 V10 w/129k miles

Thanks in advance for everyones input

 

The only thing a leaky freeze plug means is it needs to be replaced and the other freeze plugs are probably close to going bad too.

 

Not to mention you should flush the cooling system REALLY well, and put in new coolant.

 

Thank you both for you input, as I let out a sigh of relief!!! Also, how many freeze plugs are on the truck? I know the one in the front of the motor is the one thats leaking. Also, I did do a good thorough flush when I replaced water pump and added fresh coolant.

 

Two on each side of the block, and two in the back of the block. (gotta drop the trans, or pull the engine for those.... if they ain't leakin', don't worry about 'em.) I think there is also one on each end of the cylinder head, but, I haven't see any reports of those leaking yet.

The trouble on the plugs on the side of the block comes from crap getting trapped behind the motor mount, where the freeze plug is.... plug rusts out, and you get a leak. Of course, having rust holes in it makes them really easy to take out.

 

you can get an entire freeze plug kit at oreillys for about $7 steel and $12 for brass. you might have to order them but they usually get them either same day or 1-2 at the most.


http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...e%20plug%20kit

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...e%20plug%20kit

1-5/8 for the large ones, 1-1/4 for the small one of the back of the block and the heads.

just drive a screwdriver into the old one and twist/pry it out. clean the edge surfaces, put a dab of rtv on the edge and tap the new one in until it seats. use a large socket or seal driver.

and +1 on coolant flush.