Dragonslayer Posted April 16, 2013 #1 Posted April 16, 2013 To make a long story short, the Dodge Caravan started leaking water from underneath the motor. After a day of disassembly to change water pump it became obvious the leak was coming from an engine block freeze plug about 1" in diameter not the water pump. The freeze plug had a hole or crack in the middle but the outer ring surface was intact. in the process of trying to remove it, instead of it coming out it fell down into the engine block water jacket. I don't see anyway to fish it out without taking the engine apart . What do I do? Any suggestions? Do you think I could just leave it in there and install a new freeze plug?
Snaggletooth Posted April 16, 2013 #2 Posted April 16, 2013 I've heard of leaving the remains behind a few times in the past. Never heard of any ill effects. As long as it isn't completely blocking the water jacket.
abusive throttle cranker Posted April 16, 2013 #3 Posted April 16, 2013 Yup Chrysler crap. The maintenance will kill ya. I had a Plymouth Voyager. 3 transmissions in 5 years. At $1300 apiece! Chrysler junk!!! Ya ever need to replace the metal brake lines running along the frame? I have....once. Chrysler crap. My sister in law had a Reliant K. 3 engines in that thing. So she trades it in- on a NEON! In 4 years it spent half the time in the shop having head gaskets replaced! Chrysler crap!
Peder_y2k Posted April 16, 2013 #4 Posted April 16, 2013 You might try using one of those small telescopic magnets in an attempt to retrieve it, providing it is a ferros metal. If you leave it inside the cooling system, it can eventually decompose and the pieces begin moving around and jam up the coolant pump, or block a critcal passage leading to a hot spot that could damage the engine. You asked...... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88 BTW, I have a 1989 Chrysler Turbo GTC convertible that has never required any repairs...... oh wait, a new tranny pan seal, squeezed from a tube (RTV)
stroker ace Posted April 16, 2013 #5 Posted April 16, 2013 To make a long story short, the Dodge Caravan started leaking water from underneath the motor. After a day of disassembly to change water pump it became obvious the leak was coming from an engine block freeze plug about 1" in diameter not the water pump. The freeze plug had a hole or crack in the middle but the outer ring surface was intact. in the process of trying to remove it, instead of it coming out it fell down into the engine block water jacket. I don't see anyway to fish it out without taking the engine apart . What do I do? Any suggestions? Do you think I could just leave it in there and install a new freeze plug? Sometimes you can use a small flexible magnet and fish it out. If you cant get to it just put in the new one and forget it, trust me it want be the first one done this way.
BlueVenture87 Posted April 16, 2013 #6 Posted April 16, 2013 You're half way there! To remove a frost plug you first knock it into the block and then pull it out sideways. The removal orientation is similar to putting a coin in a soda machine but this time you're pulling the coin out. If that won't work due to access then leave it in there. As others have written, if it's not blocking flow it should be fine. I doubt it will make it's way to the pump. Luck! -JK
Yammer Dan Posted April 16, 2013 #7 Posted April 16, 2013 I'd try the magnet Bob but if it don't work put another one in there.
kevin-vic-b.c. Posted April 16, 2013 #8 Posted April 16, 2013 Big Bro is here, he is a mechanic, he says leave it...... it is usually is made of a soft metal and will likely just rust away in time.
Dragonslayer Posted April 16, 2013 Author #9 Posted April 16, 2013 Thanks for the responses, it seems that the concenses is to abandon it in the water jacket, install a new freeze plug and move forward. Sounds like a plan.
dacheedah Posted April 16, 2013 #10 Posted April 16, 2013 I say remove, pick up tool to pull near opening and needle nose to pull out. Nothing good comes from metal obstruction in a water jacket of a motor. We do have dodge mechanics on this site I think 2007royalmidnight is one, I would ask a pro.
Flyinfool Posted April 16, 2013 #11 Posted April 16, 2013 I got more of make a real and honest attempt to get it out. IF those attempts fail then leave it in and hope it does not move to a location that it creates a hot spot. Antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors, and the plugs are either coated to resist corrosion, or made of corrosion resistant materials, it will not rust and/or dissolve away during the vehicles or your lifetime.
abusive throttle cranker Posted April 16, 2013 #12 Posted April 16, 2013 Antifreeze contains Caustic Soda (an acid) in minor amounts- like 3%. I know cuz I used to be involved in its manufacture. It may also contain inhibitors- that would vary by the manufacturer. Of course the freeze plug would not be susceptible or they wouldn't use it! Can't have the thing dissolve and let the coolant run out!
MikeWa Posted April 16, 2013 #13 Posted April 16, 2013 I have in my life removed a few thousand of these pesky things. They almost always fall into the block. If there is room you can use a piece of wire to fish the soft plug up to the opening. Grab the top lip of it with an inverted channel lock pliers. Then as you push the large end of the pliers down against the block it will wedge the old soft plug out of the opening sideways. You can leave it in. And I have on occasion done this. But there is a risk of blocking a critical coolant passage. Or of the plug continuing to desegregate over time and contaminating the water pump or thermostat. Best of luck. Mike
Dragonslayer Posted April 16, 2013 Author #14 Posted April 16, 2013 I have in my life removed a few thousand of these pesky things. They almost always fall into the block. If there is room you can use a piece of wire to fish the soft plug up to the opening. Grab the top lip of it with an inverted channel lock pliers. Then as you push the large end of the pliers down against the block it will wedge the old soft plug out of the opening sideways. You can leave it in. And I have on occasion done this. But there is a risk of blocking a critical coolant passage. Or of the plug continuing to desegregate over time and contaminating the water pump or thermostat. Best of luck. Mike That is what I was attempting to do when the darn thing fell down the black hole into the water jacket abyss. There is no way to retrieve it short of removing the engine and disassembling the motor which I am not going to do for a $500.00 vehicle. I'm just going to leave it in there and take my chances.
wrnchjox Posted April 16, 2013 #15 Posted April 16, 2013 i have been a mechanic for over 30 years and nothing good can come from leaving it in the cooling passage.a flexable magnet should get a hold on it,and i suggest a 90 degree pair of needlenose vise grips to lock on with,a little wiggleing and it should come right out.
Dragonslayer Posted April 17, 2013 Author #16 Posted April 17, 2013 i have been a mechanic for over 30 years and nothing good can come from leaving it in the cooling passage.a flexable magnet should get a hold on it,and i suggest a 90 degree pair of needlenose vise grips to lock on with,a little wiggleing and it should come right out.Due to pure tenaciousness, a lot of cussing and a little luck I was finally able to worry the original bad plug out and the 1st new plug that seemed fall right through the block into the the water jacket with just a couple of taps. With those two back out of the water jacket :banana:now I can't get the second new one to start in the hole :doh:after two hours of tapping and cussing. I'm through for the night and will try again tomorrow.
Snaggletooth Posted April 17, 2013 #17 Posted April 17, 2013 (edited) Due to pure tenaciousness, a lot of cussing and a little luck I was finally able to worry the original bad plug out and the 1st new plug that seemed fall right through the block into the the water jacket with just a couple of taps. With those two back out of the water jacket :banana:now I can't get the second new one to start in the hole :doh:after two hours of tapping and cussing. I'm through for the night and will try again tomorrow. I've dealt with that myself. I have used the rubber expanding plugs that you insert into the frost plug hole and tighten the bolt to set the plug. Might do the trick for you. Edited April 17, 2013 by Snaggletooth
Dragonslayer Posted April 17, 2013 Author #18 Posted April 17, 2013 I've dealt with that myself. I have used the rubber expanding plugs that you insert into the frost plug hole and tighten the bolt to set the plug. Might do the trick for you.I think your right, I'm gonna try that next. Or a wine bottle cork
dacheedah Posted April 17, 2013 #19 Posted April 17, 2013 We always used a socket turned backwards, you are looking for the biggest socket that just fits inside, put a short extension in through the inside of the socket, put a little permatex on the perimeter and a couple taps should seat it.
Dragonslayer Posted April 17, 2013 Author #20 Posted April 17, 2013 We always used a socket turned backwards, you are looking for the biggest socket that just fits inside, put a short extension in through the inside of the socket, put a little permatex on the perimeter and a couple taps should seat it.Been doing that with no luck
stroker ace Posted April 17, 2013 #21 Posted April 17, 2013 Been doing that with no luck What engine do you have 3.0 V6 ?? depending on the year there was one with standard and one with metric freeze plugs if I remember correctly.
Dragonslayer Posted April 17, 2013 Author #22 Posted April 17, 2013 What engine do you have 3.0 V6 ?? depending on the year there was one with standard and one with metric freeze plugs if I remember correctly. 3. 0 Liter V-6, 1995
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now