Stamey

I have a 2004.5 and the freeze plug in the back of the block, over the bellhousing, under the head, completely blew out. It's just missing. Anyone know what size this plug is? I can't get to it so good to measure it, much less install it. Any ideas on installation, short of buying a freeze plug installation kit, will be apreciated.
Truck was not overheated, and ambient temp today have been high 30's, low 40's. Engine was at operating temp when this occurred. Anyone know why it might have happened?

Thanks,
Chris

53 willys

Hard throttle when the t-stat is closed would create enough pressure to blow a freeze plug.
Check this thread out
sorry for you bad luck

Truckman

Chris,I have heard of them falling out before,If they(2004.5) are the same block as the 98.5 - 2002 Put a plate in the back with a seal on it ,, Like the water plate that goes on the back of the block, Like this,, I put the freeze plug and this plate,,,
Should be 2 bolt holes back there,,Might be easier to do that.

Stamey

Thanks for the info Truckman. So you put the freeze plug and AND this "fixture" over it? If you use this fixture you don't need freeze plug, right?
I have PNs for the freeze plug and the fixture components. The FP seems to be, with the latest PN, 2.287" in diameter. I don't know that I could pick that up at the local parts place.
What diameter did you use?

Thanks,
Chris

Rpainter

when i had my trans out for rebuild I put a couple of washers in the recess(freeze plug was still there) and I just put a 1/4 plate over the freeze plug and used the two bolt holes to secure the plate.Now the plug will never blow out

Truckman

If you use this fixture you don't need freeze plug, HOW TRUE!!

It was to funny,,We were installing the engine in the truck and as it went by my head on the engine crane I was staring at the freeze plug and had visions of it falling out ,,,,and I had the water plate sitting on the bench,,I was going to sell the water plate later I figured what $20.00 on eBay ,, it's worth the $20.00 to put it on the truck,,,,and I said WAIT lets put that water plate on for the heII of it,,Only had to chop 1/8 inch of the plate for bell housing clearance..That's how it got put on my engine (was on engine when I bought engine)... I think the limited access back there it might be easier to make a plate & Gasket and install it,,Instead of trying to install a freeze plug,,OR you could make a small steal bar to go across from threaded hole to threaded hole to help install and retain the freeze plug.

Stamey

I have read about the steel bar, and have specs to build it. I have also read, and seen a pic, of a plate that goes across the back, using the same mounting holes as that flange/fixture you have, but it is just a plate. I have not been able to secure a part number for that plate as yet, though.

Thanks,
Chris

Stamey

Truckman, and all,
Turns out the PNs for your solution are for a 2nd gen (first gen 24v), and won't fit a CR 24V. We are regrouping, trying to figure out if there is a similar part for a CR 24v.

Thanks,
Chris

Truckman

Ok I'll Bite,,, whats a CR 24?

OK Maybe I got it ,,, ,, Common Rail .. ... WOW!!!!




Yes The Photos in my Above Post is a 2001 CTD...

Stamey

We ended up making a plate as described by Jeff K on TDR. Thanks Jeff! Of course it didn't come out quite right because we didn't know much about the contour at the bottom, so we ended up custom fitting it with the fire wrench. A couple of washers in the plug itself for support, and tightening the plate pushed it right in. I don't know what it looks like back there, but it sure ain't leaking.
Thanks to everyone who offered advice on this problem. It was helpful.

Thanks,
Chris

Truckman

Glad to hear you got her done....

J BODY

Have a link or any picts of this mod? Might be good mental ammo to have just in case one ever rolls in the door that way.