Update on my quest to replace a freeze plug and remove a motor mount.

[garydan]

Well, you guys were helpful. I appreciate all the feedback I got. I was able to successfully fix the coolant leak. I replaced the freeze plug located behind the driver's side engine mount. While I was at it, I replaced the next plug closest to the cab.

This was a very challenging task. The first challenge was jacking the motor up high enough to get the mount off. This took some experimenting. At first I couldn't get "just" the motor up, it was lifting the whole frame. I managed to fix this by placing the wood off center under the oil pan to help tilt the motor in the direction I needed.

The next challenge was actually replacing the freeze plug. This is something I've never done before. Once I got the freeze plugs (2) out (which was its own challenge) I cleaned out the ports and placed some sealant on the new plugs and tapped one in with a socket. I ended up putting a rubber expansion plug in the port under the engine mount.

Ok.. all good. I put everything back together, run some distilled water into the radiator.. and drip drip....splash. The bolt sticking out of the rubber expansion plug was making contact with the motor mount. Then when I tightened down the motor mount the rubber expansion plug was pushed into the block!!!

So back to the drawing board. I knew I really wanted to fix it right and scrap the rubber plug... so I thought.. how the hell can I get a brass one in there if I can't get a hammer to it. Well, I must say.. my brain actually works sometimes. I took that experience with the rubber plug and used it to my advantage.

I cut a small piece of wood that fit inside the new brass freeze plug, and used the motor mount as a "press" to seat the plug. It worked rather good. So I'm posting this should anyone with my same experience (who searches this forum) needs some help in this area they might think this tip is valuable.


Thanks again for your help, my next task is to replace the oil pan.......

 

[sledheadak]

that is actualy a good idea.did it push it in square?

becareful lifting the engine high enought to get the pan out.you can crack the tranny case if you jack it too high.

 

[garydan]

that is actualy a good idea.did it push it in square?

becareful lifting the engine high enought to get the pan out.you can crack the tranny case if you jack it too high.

It didn't go in perfectly square (close but not perfect). I ended up tapping one side to try and even it out. It's still off a bit, but I think it will be fine. It doesn't seem like I even have to lift the engine to get he pan out. Looks to me like there is plenty of clearance.