Expert: Sean Halliday - 9/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: What do you have to do to replace the frost plug.  Its leaking like a sieve and it is very hard to get to.

ANSWER: They usually are hard to get at so you need to remove as much as possible so you can dig out the old one.Some mechanics hit them on into the engine but I use a sharp screwdriver and pull it out.Then clean all around the hole and use some silicone on the new one but usually the new plug is pretty tight.Its a good idea to buy 2 or 3 because i have seen them disappear into the engine block and you will never get it out.Install the new one (carefully)by simply tapping it in until it is flush with the block.

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QUESTION: What all has to be removed to get to it? I have taken it to a mechanic.  How many hours should be involved in replacing it? He talked about putting in an expansion plug. Thank you for your quick response.

Answer
Some are called expansion plugs or frost plugs/core plugs.Same thing.It depends which one it is and where on the engine its located.These are not to do with anything regaring cold weather as people think.They are simply the holes made by the factory to hold the block while the lathe cuts the bores.The factory simply plugs the holes after the engine is bored.Best would be to use brass plugs but cost means they still use steel which when mixed with any water will rust eventually.Some plugs i have changed in 1/2 hour but then again i have seen them in between the gearbox and engine.Some are simple some are real hard to reach.