Engine freeze plugs

Tiny
HORACE81
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 252,000 MILES
On the engine pushed the right front freeze plug out of the head, I replaced it drove the truck about 60 miles. Then the right rear freeze plug pushed out. I have always ran antifreeze in the truck. What may be the reason for the freeze plugs to keep pushing out.
Sunday, August 2nd, 2015 AT 3:36 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
This happens because the radiator cap needs to be replaced it is not allowing the pressure to be relieved so it pushes the plugs out. Here is the correct way to install the freeze plugs. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2015 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
PINOKIO13
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
How to change a freeze plug on a 1997 chevy truck
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:48 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Hammer an edge till it tilts so you can grab it and remove. If it fallls into engine nevermind just install new 1 by using socket of similar size as driver. Just be careful not to go in too far! They also make rubber plugs that tighten with wrench which are sometimes easier to use in close quarters.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Drive BIG screwdriver through and pop out drive in new with core plug driver or socket that fits diameter of core.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LINDAS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 CHEVROLET TAHOE
2000 Chevy Tahoe V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

Is there a freeze plug inside the transmission bell housing? We have water leaking out of a bolt on the side of the bell housing
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Engine have freeze plugs at rear in front of tranny bellhousing and it is very possible for it to be leaking inside the bellhousing
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CASEYMORTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
Where is the freeze plug located at and how do I get to it
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,729 POSTS
There's a whole bunch of them on both sides of the engine block and on the back. You must remove whatever is in the way to get to the one you want. Since you didn't bother to state the engine size or say why you want to get to it, I have to assume one is corroded through and leaking or you want to replace one with a block-type engine heater. For most of us block heaters are not necessary, and are not the proper fix for a hard-starting problem. The instruction sheet will state the location of the core plug to remove to install the heater. Many GM engines don't have enough room to accommodate the extra depth needed for the heater.

If a core plug is leaking, it corroded through from the acids that normally build up in the coolant. We replace coolant every two years to get those acids out and to replenish its anti-corrosive and water pump lubricant additives that wear out. The other plugs will suffer the same fate soon so you may want to buy the entire kit from an auto parts store or engine machine shop. There's a kit made for each engine with the correct size and number of plugs.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)

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