Freeze plug locations impala 3400 2000-05?

[57chevyragtop]

Is it possible for any TECH here to post the location of freeze plugs in the 3400 block 2000-2005. My leak seems to be coming down and dripping off the tranny pan towards the passenger side. I don't or cannot see any wet fluid anywhere in the intake valley area or either side of the engine. coolant is fresh, flushed and replaced in last 2 weeks. thermostat replaced, water pump. 108k miles now. I don't want to tear down to intake until sure of need. I have not found any mentions of freeze plugs going bad in my forum search which was extensive. All hose connections are dry and does not seem to drip while engine is running. No oil or coolant contamination observed.

second question can a radiator cap fail to open to relieve pressure higher than the 15 lbs. causing too much build up of pressure?

[Tech II]

Radiator cap fail to open? Their usual failure is that they open too soon and don't allow build up of pressure.....

You make it sound like the vehicle is overheating......if you are losing coolant, this will form an air pocket in the top of the engine.....when this happens, coolant can't flow and the engine overheats....

You seem to have an external leak......you have to find it rather than guess.....good way to find it is with a pressure tester.....

3.1/3.4's are known for lower intake leaks.....if the vehicle has been overheating, you can create head gasket problems......the usual area is #1 cylinder(rear cylinder on passenger side)....

[57chevyragtop]

Thanks for the reply to my post, I have determined it is for sure the lower intake leaking and the garage is doing the work tomorrow. The cost is a bit high but this is not something I can do in my situation. I have the tools and am sure I could but time and place get in the way. I was hoping it wasn't the LIM but when I finally parked the with the front downhill I could see fluid in the valley behind the TCS.

[57chevyragtop]

Tech II, I got my car back from garage at noon today job done...I'll get the bill on Monday. But Thanks again for the reply. I guess I showed my age in that first post, growing up freeze plugs used to be a normal problem to look for.
The engine never did really overheat much according to the temp gauge, but did at times feel that it was with a hint of vibration at 45 to 60 mph before I changed out the bad thermostat. Thermostat bypass probably the engineering feature that prevents the higher temps.