How do you fix a freezer plug on a dodge spirit?
I am assuming you mead the frost plugs on the engine block that
will push out if the coolant is the block is too weak and the
engine is exposed to terrible cold, long enough to freeze the block
solid.
Depending which freeze plug it is, (also called a frost plug)
you might be lucky enough to not have to remove the engine from the
vehicle. Regardless if the plug is completely out or not, it will
have to be replaced. It will not seal properly if it has been
pushed out at all.
Drill a small hole, e.g. 1/8" in the frost plug. Have a 1/4" lag
screw available. Preferably it should be short, ...say 1 to
1&1/2". It will have a hex head. Screw the lag screw into the
hole in the frost plug and then pry the old plug out.
It would be advisable at this time to advise you that it may
ease the placement of the frost plug if it is very cold. For the
regular guy, kitchen freezer might have to do. Some advance shops
may have access to liquid gases that are not to be taken lightly
for the average do-it your selfers. Also, if the engine block is
warm, this will enlarge the opening of the frost plug bore. On a
cautionary note, do not heat the frost plug bore with a torch. the
differential expansion of the iron could crack the block.
Clean the bore on the frost plug hole, removing any dirt,
grease, old sealant, etc. Don't abrade the bore of the hole. Obtain
a large brass hammer that will fit into the recess of the new frost
plug and another comparable hammer. It would be advisable at this
time to place a small film of silicone sealant on the rim of the
frost plug and the bore. Place the frost plug against the bore as
square as possible. Place the brass hammer head into the recess of
the frost plug. Hold the plug in the bore with the brass hammer and
strike the brass hammer smartly with the other hammer. This should
start the frost plug into the bore. Continue the drive the plug
into the bore until the edge fo the plug is just below the edge of
the bore. Allow several hours for the sealant so set. Fill the
block and radiator with coolant and warm the engine and check for
leaks.
BA