How many freeze plugs does the 3.1 have and what are the locations? Are there any tips to ensure a leak free fit? And do brass plugs seal better or just last longer? Thanks for the help.

 

Hey Loco, I found I have just got a leak from one of my freeze (core) plugs yesterday.
As far as I know there are two on the engine block under the number 3 & 4 sparkplugs in the main block. They are steel and have a reputation for going bad. I’m pretty sure copper or brass ones are better, but the question I’d have is that would it be necessary to pull the engine to get to them? They look pretty hard to get to if you ask me.

Speed.

 

Just wondering, what are freeze plugs? What do they do?

 

I replaced all of mine with the engine out. A couple looked rusty and I was able to poke a hole in all of them with a screwdriver. I used steel again as the engine has a lot of miles on it and I'm not looking for it to last forever. The side plugs would be difficult to get to with the engine in the car, maybe its possible with the exhaust manifolds removed? There are also three on the rear of the block covered by the tranny. There is one on the front of the block on the right side (sitting in the car). My suggestion to you is to find which one is leaking, remove the exhaust if necessary, knock it through the hole and then pull it out with a pair of pliers. If you can't access the area well enough to drive in a metal plug (use some sealer), then go to the auto parts store and buy one of the rubber freeze plugs meant for quick fixes. It may last as long as your engine. Good luck.

 

XB: The myth is that freeze plugs will pop out if the block freezes and allow the ice to expand and prevent damage. I doubt that. The real reason is the factory uses them in the casting process when making the blocks. And they haunt us ever after.

 

Well mines leaking slightly on the side where the oil filter is for sure, but it could be leaking from some of the ones you mentioned that you can't see! Replacing them isn't the problem for me, getting the damn engine out of the car is though! I live in England and my garage is just big enough for the car, and on a downward hill so pulling an engine isn't going to be an easy job for a novice like me. Leaving the work to a garage is totally out of the question because I want the job doing properly, (bad experiences in the past) plus if the engines out I wanna paint it etc! Good job I love my car.

All the best Loco, good luck with yours. Speed

 

You might try to do just the one with a rubber plug to get you by. Then see if you are still losing coolant.