Chevy & GMC Vans

Is there a frost plug located right behind where my PS pump is mounted (front of block) on my 93 ??

anyone ever changed one and if so, how difficult?

I have some coolant leaking from what looks like a frost plug but i've only ever seen them on the sides of a block. it's been leaking very slowly for some time now but I've never been able to track it down. yesterday I finally found it.... so I'm kind of debating, should I change it out or dump in something like Irontite as an attempt to seal it up

Are you positive its not coming from the weep hole on you're water pump?

Other than draining the coolant, removing the pump and bracket is the hard part. It's been a while, but I've changed several. Just tap it with a drift on one side until it starts to move onto the block. If you're lucky, it will flip in on one side and out on the other, and can be pryed out pretty easy. If your not, try to punch a hole in it with a sharp screwdriver and pry it out that way. I've never seen one real hard to get out. Scrape the surface clean (I mean CLEAN) and drive in a new freeze plug to just flush. Use a tight fitting socket or hammer head or handle. If you want, put some Permatex red or Hy-tac (may be spelled differently, I don't remember) on it for extra insurance.

I wouldn't bother with any other method. If it leaks, replace it. Stay away from the rubber ones, also.

Good point, Zam. Come to think of it, I can't remember if there is or isn't a freeze plug in that location. I think so, but can't remember.

rlsllc wrote:Good point, Zam. Come to think of it, I can't remember if there is or isn't a freeze plug in that location. I think so, but can't remember.

Well, I knew you had replaced some recently and would be able to help Rob with the how to, but I thought I'd just mention the weep-hole, cause fluid can be tricky to track down sometimes...lol

thanks guys... I'll have to take another look at it tomorrow in the daylight. I think I even had room to snap a pic. stay tuned.

There is indeed a freeze plug in that area. But like Zam stated, check the waterpump as well.

I thought so, I just kept thinking about the head being under the bracket. Nice pic.

The answer to the original question is.......yes, there is a freeze plug right behind the P/S pump. When you knock it out be very careful not to score the bore. Replace it with a brass plug and it will be there forever. Definitly use Permatex.

hmm.. figures i just came in from the morning darkness after snapping about 12 blind pics before the battery in the camera died... not a one showed the leak LOL

battery is back on the charger and after my shower i'll try again

grrrr.. still inconclusive ... in looking at where the coolant trail is and looking at doc's pic.. I'm thinking that it could very well be coming from the waterpump... can't see it from the top without removing everything and can't see it from the bottom for all the jazz in the way..

sorry for the pics size was in a rush to get to work .. I'll try to edit them once i get there...

Look closely at the head, block, manifold junction area. If the intake gasket has deteriorated that's where it will leak.

man... I hope not, or I'll be looking for another van [-o<

It would be a good idea to pull your top and bottom shrouds off Rob, then you can get a good look at everything. The intakes that I have seen quite often leak at the front drivers side, which could be leaking down into the area shown in that 4th pic, you will also get a good look at the WP as well. It won't bother anything to remove them temporarily while you have a look ( i've had mine off ) for about 2yrs now. Lets hope the intake,WP and frost plug are not ALL leaking...lol

oh zam that would not be funny at all

Crash i'm game on attempting to replace gaskets never done it before but sounds fun

ok.. apparently smilies don't work for me at work :-(