My 2001 HO started leaking antifreeze monday. I found a stream coming from a freeze plug on the passenger side in the back of the head. I pulled it out and have been trying to find one ever since. This is the smallest freeze plug I have ever seen, the best I can measure it is 3/8 inch. I have tried three good parts houses, the Dodge dealer (they said they would even have to call someone to get the part number) and the Cummins dealer. Cummins ordered it for me yesterday. What they got in was a 1/2 inch freeze plug. (I wasn't too fond of the idea of paying $15 shipping for a $1.37 freeze plug, but was willing to if need be.)
Has anyone else had a problem finding this plug?
One guy at a parts house laughed and said something about "you mean something that small came off a Cummins diesel?"

 

I got lucky. The Dodge dealer called back and said they found them. After hunting for three days, I didn't think $4 for two freeze plugs was bad at all.

 

Does anyone have any suguestions on how to get that little sucker back in?

 

Maybe with a socket and or extension that fits inside the rim, whack it with a mallet?

Or, whack it with a mallet?

 

Whew, I'm glad that's done. Yep P.J. you'r right. I did get a 1/4 " drive socket up against it with needle nose pliers. The trouble was is that there was less than 1 and a 1/2 inch whacking room behind the head.
Now that it's done it dosen't seem too bad.

 

I'm about to strangle the Cummins and Dodge guys here in Boise! If mine is the same problem, the plug is right on the back passenger side corner of the block. Cummins says there's no plug there, just a blind bolt hole. B.S.!!! I can see the plug with my own eyes. Rob, was the plug you put in 1/2"? I have to get this taken care of. Thanks

 

Another good idea on the small freeze plugs that blow is to drill and tap the hole and install a plug with some loctite.
That will cure the problem.

 

We got the old one out, just have to put the caliper on it to measure. Thanks