Blown freez plug.

1991 ranger 2.9, 4WD. -=- A back of engine freeze plug just blew out. Water runs right throuh. -- Which to pull, trany or engine? I do have a decent shop, but hate the thought, just for a damn freeze plug!!!! Which would you do? Trany or engine. --- Before I start, I need ADVICE, encouragement and sympathy! -- No, I'm not going to junk the truck YET!! -- Thanks

Pull the engine.

If you pull the radiator you maybe able to move the engine forward enough with out taking it completely.

1) Put a jack under the frnt part of engine, jack her up a little, and just pull the transmission out. The jack & 2-motor mounts will hold the engine for an easy transmission removal. 2 1/2 or 3hr job.

I appreciate what you are saying danielsatur, but this is a Ranger 4 wheel drive vehicle. and I think removing that transmission will be a bit more difficult than that.
I think I’m going with Moppies suggestion, and depending on how that works out, I’ll go from there! -- Thanks

If pulling engine, I would do all freeze plugs, thermostat , engine reseal kit, water pump, hoses, timing chain + tensioners.

I would try Metallic block seal 1st, if it's just a leaky freeze plug.

Metallic block seal lasted the life of my car, and put over 100k miles on her.
Had another car, pulled the transmission, replaced the freeze plug, and the timing chain failed after 30K miles.

Because of Age + mileage, plastic, rubber seals, and gaskets will go bad.

I guess you could toss a coin!

i'd vote the pull engine way....but i try moving the engine up like moppie
but would deffinately replace them all like daniel.
i agree paying for the job is'nt an option,but don't think block seal will hold.
I'LL DRINK THE 1ST TO YOUR SUCESS!!!

I appreciate what you are saying danielsatur, but this is a Ranger 4 wheel drive vehicle. and I think removing that transmission will be a bit more difficult than that.
I think I’m going with Moppies suggestion, and depending on how that works out, I’ll go from there! -- Thanks


Does it have a separate transfer case?
Or is it all integrated into one unit?

Moppie: The trans is one integral unit about 3 1/2 ft long, including bell, with both shafts coming from rear section, forward and back, one on each side. It is also caged in with 3 cross members. It’s BIG! --
The fact is I have already replaced several of the freeze plugs over the years. I don’t know if this is common for these particular engines or some kind of electrolysis particular to this trucks metals or electrical system! Anyway, I am checking all the plugs!
Inafogg, For me, paying for these fun jobs is an option I have seldom ever used. I am in fact, to my 9 grown grandkids, their personal automotive shop. -- I’m still learning!---
Thanks all, for the info and support.

Is it hot coolant pressure blowing the freeze plug out, or is it rusted?

Is it hot coolant pressure blowing the freeze plug out, or is it rusted?
The plugs I changed in the past were all pretty corroded. The engine has never run hot, but of course, more the rust, the less pressure to blow!
I just started to tear things apart today. Haven’t got to the bad plug(s) yet. I’m sure its rust!
--------No 3 hour fix here, Probably more like 3 weeks!

The plugs I changed in the past were all pretty corroded. The engine has never run hot, but of course, more the rust, the less pressure to blow!
I just started to tear things apart today. Haven’t got to the bad plug(s) yet. I’m sure its rust!
--------No 3 hour fix here, Probably more like 3 weeks!



How much room have you got at the back of the engine?

If you can slide it forward, you maybe able to do it with out disconnecting to much.
It sounds like the gearbox is fully self supported. The hardest part will be separating the engine and box.

Did you use distilled water 50/50 mix green & change coolant every 3-years?

There's alot of coolant colors that are envioronmentally friendly, but prestone extended life is compatible, the rust inhibators might be better.
We like using the 50/50 mix, because it's better than using tap water.

Did you use distilled water 50/50 mix green & change coolant every 3-years?

There's alot of coolant colors that are envioronmentally friendly, but prestone extended life is compatible, the rust inhibators might be better.
We like using the 50/50 mix, because it's better than using tap water.



50/50 is a pretty strong mix?

My concern is having the best rust inhibitor protection, and changing coolant every 3years or 60k mileage.

I have read somewhere, were a dude paid $3k for a bad galvanized freeze plug behind the transmission.

How much does a Transmission shop charge for a a 50cent freeze plug?

My concern is having the best rust inhibitor protection, and changing coolant every 3years or 60k mileage.

I have read somewhere, were a dude paid $3k for a bad galvanized freeze plug behind the transmission.

How much does a Transmission shop charge for a a 50cent freeze plug?



Fair enough, I would just worry about the cooling ability of that level of dilution in warmer climates.
I've always run about 10% and never had a problem with corrosion, even on older cars more prone to it.

3K to change a freeze plug is just a bad mechanic ripping someone off, or a very unique and expensive car.

This might be a good Auto school student tech job, were the customer only needs to pay for parts + tip the student.

The last time, I checked with a transmission shop it was $150 to pull the transmission, but wouldn't do the freeze plug.