Will i have to pull my eng.?

Question

'73 mustang coupe type (spell check sucks) 302.my freeze plug is leaking.is there a special tool to install it without removing the motor?i don't want the rubber squeeze kind which is great for snow and a quick fix.

Answer 1

Yes they do make a tool to install them, but it depends on which one is leaking whether it is on the side of the engine or behind it. If it is behind it  you have a choice of removing the engine or transmission.    

Answer 2

without knowing which one is bad i can not answer that question, but i do have this recommendation because i did the same thing to my car for the same reason. i would pull the engine and replace all of the freeze plugs at the same time. it is a bother to get to one of them and if one fails the others have a jump on failure. when i did mine the plugs came as a complete set for the block.

Answer 3

Get brass freeze plugs...Use extra fine sand paper to clean connecting surface,I use radiator hose grease to install them,they go in with ease ...This is the kit I have in the site listed below,works great without pulling engine..

Answer 4

They make tools to remove and install the freeze plugs but you dont need them.  after draining the coolant use a chisel and a hammer to knock it sideways, grab it with a pair of pliers and pull it out.  after cleaning the hole lightly with some sandpaper apply some red locktight around the new freeze plug.  using a socket that fits the inside diameter of the plug use a hammer to tap it in to place.  if you can do all these steps while the motor is in than you dont need to pull it.

if your auto parts store offers brass or steel freeze plugs get the brass.

Answer 5

It depends on which plug is bad. It is definitely a LOT easier to do the job with the engine pulled, but can be done in place for most of the plugs. I would say if one has gone bad, others are not far behind. BTW...The elements have nothing to do with a freeze plug going bad. It fails because of internal corrosion or having to actually do it's intended job (popping out to prevent a crack in the block from water expansion in cold weather).

Answer 6

It depends on which plug is bad. It is definitely a LOT easier to do the job with the engine pulled, but can be done in place for most of the plugs. I would say if one has gone bad, you want to replace that one only

Answer 7

The only ones you should have to pull the engine for is if they're covered by the transmission, and those don't go bad as often, because they're sheltered from the elements. The 73 Mustang has a pretty good sized engine compartment for a 302 helps as well. The puller tool usually isn't really necessary. A long flat-bladed screwdriver usually works fine if you rap it with like a rabbit punch a few times with a medium sized hammer. You don't want to follow through too hard, to avoid damaging the outside of the cylinder walls. Hit it on the edge to get it to go sideways, and even if it falls through, you can pull it out with a moderate sized channel-lock pliers. That gives you better leverage.

As far as putting it back in, the driver tool can be a lot of help, especially on the side ones. It lets you reach through and around stuff, to where you have enough room to swing a hammer. It's angled so if you can't come in from one side you can try from a different angle. If it's really hard to get a new one in, the brass ones with a nut in the middle is next best. Way better than the rubber ones, and just about as easy. Make sure you clean the hole good. Some purple Scotch-Brite works good. Coarser grit than the green stuff. I like to use a shellac type metal head gasket sealant myself. Comes in a little jar with a brush in the lid.

A lot less messy if you drain the block drains as well as the radiator, and be careful you're not using a regular shop light underneath during removal, even if you do. Something waterproof, or a flashlight. Oh, one more thing. If it's on the passenger side to the rear, take the starter out.  ;-)

Answer 8

You din't say which freeze plug. If it's the one behind the motor mount, just jack up that side if the engine to remove the mount to get to the freeze plug.