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Freeze plug question

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Old Feb 25, 2026 | 11:19 PM
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BigstarATX's Avatar
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Freeze plug question

I have a 1995 Dodge 12 valve that I bought a few months ago. The truck runs great no issues. The first good freeze this winter I noticed that antifreeze was dripping from the truck so I tracked it and it is leaking from a rubber expansion freeze plug. On the passenger side of the truck it is the 2ND plug from the firewall. It’s at the top behind the turbo. You can see it plainly behind the turbo. I wanted to know why would the rubber freeze plug be on the truck and should I have a regular freeze plug installed?

What size freeze plug would that be? 2nd from the firewall on top of the motor. I called around and it seems there are multiple sized freeze plugs on these engines. Thank you
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Old Feb 26, 2026 | 06:14 AM
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From: vermont
Rubber? The frost plugs on the side of the block behind the turbo are metal.
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Old Feb 26, 2026 | 07:32 AM
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Several companies offer bolt in o ringed aluminum frost plugs. I used them on my 2wd ‘76 Ramchargers 12V P-pumped motor.
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Old Feb 26, 2026 | 09:31 AM
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From: NE Wa

I have seen these before and I believe they are use in areas where it is difficult to get a tool in there to set the stock plug. It should have a size on the metal plate after you remove it to show the size.
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Old Feb 26, 2026 | 09:45 AM
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oliver foster's Avatar
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The aftermarket aluminum ones with the O-ring tighten up with a bolt too.

The rubber plug you pictured Vern looks like a road side fix item. Nothing I would really want on my truck as a long term fit.

From the factory they came with metal frost plugs.
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Old Feb 26, 2026 | 10:19 AM
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Oliver, I'm pretty sure that is exactly what those are for and I'm with you as far as fixing it right when I got home.
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Old Feb 28, 2026 | 06:37 AM
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Yes you guys are correct. This was one of the rubber repair plugs that was on the truck when I bought it. I never noticed it but I’m guessing over time the rubber got baked and hardened. The first time we had a freeze after I bought the truck the antifreeze started dripping down the side of the engine. I picked up a new Mopac plug from the *********** this week and am supposed to have it installed on Monday.
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