1998 Ford Explorer 4L OHV engine freeze plug trouble

[CynthiaK]

A freeze plug rusted through on my truck and we replaced it with a rubber one. The rubber one blew out so today we bought a Dorman metal one and put it in and while out for a short test drive, the metal one blew out too. Any suggestions or help on how to get them to stay in the engine block?

Thank-you!

 

[Mbrooks420]

If you live somewhere cold, I’d replace it with a block heater.

Dorman stuff isn’t the best. A lost freeze plug can ruin your day, I’d buy a top quality one.

 

[Mbrooks420]

https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Mot...7?keywords=Freeze+plug&qid=1580083795&sr=8-27

Something like this that doesn’t just rely on expansion in the bore hole.

 

[CynthiaK]

If you live somewhere cold, I’d replace it with a block heater.

Dorman stuff isn’t the best. A lost freeze plug can ruin your day, I’d buy a top quality one.

Thank-you for the reply.
Top quality as in an original Ford one or another brand?
I can't replace it with a block heater because the location of the hole has a wall very close to it.

 

[CynthiaK]

https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Mot...7?keywords=Freeze+plug&qid=1580083795&sr=8-27

Something like this that doesn’t just rely on expansion in the bore hole.

Thank-you for the reply.

Something like that would be perfect except the wall behind the hole is too close.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Doesn’t have to be a Ford part, but I’d use something with a crossbar that holds it in, so it can’t just get pushed out.

 

[CynthiaK]

Doesn’t have to be a Ford part, but I’d use something with a crossbar that holds it in, so it can’t just get pushed out.

The engine wall is only about 4 mm from the inside edge of the hole so I don't think anything with a crossbar will fit.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I guess I’d try a better expansion style if that’s the case.

 

[CynthiaK]

I guess I’d try a better expansion style if that’s the case.

The rubber expansion one we tried was also a Dorman - Auto Value Parts in Canada.

I guess I’d try a better expansion style if that’s the case.

Are you referring to the rubber ones or the metal ones? Lots of part places refer to them both as "expansion" style.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’d, personally use a rubber one. Metal ones can be awful tough to install with the motor in-vehicle. I’d rough up the hole a little with sandpaper and make sure it was super clean and dry.

 

[CynthiaK]

I’d, personally use a rubber one. Metal ones can be awful tough to install with the motor in-vehicle. I’d rough up the hole a little with sandpaper and make sure it was super clean and dry.

We have tried a rubber one but it was too thick and the front plate did not butt up against the outer engine wall. I am having difficulty finding a narrower one, thought maybe we could cut it down the rubber one we have. Have you ever heard of anyone doing this?

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’ve never ran into that. I’ve never replaced plugs that were very close to the inner jacket walls.

 

[CynthiaK]

Hi,

Thank-you for all the responses. I ordered a plug from Ford and an installer kit from Amazon and after a few hours (4) we finally got it to pop in!
It was the one behind the exhaust manifold, such a pain to get it in evenly!

Thanks again!

 

[Mbrooks420]

Ouch. Glad you got it worked out!