Where is the freeze plug located?
The first thing to know is that the freeze plugs are located on the front, back, and sides of the engine. The front and side freeze plugs are accessible, but the rear freeze plugs are not. The transmission needs to be removed if you’re unlucky enough to have one of those leaking.
What causes a freeze plug to pop out?
In some cases, as the water freezes and expands in your block, the freeze plugs will push out relieving the pressure of the freezing water and partially draining your cooling system. A leaking freeze plug can be an indication that your cooling system did or came close to freezing.
How hard is it to replace a freeze plug?
Replacing freeze plugs is not hard, but getting to them can be really tough with the engine in the vehicle. If you can’t get the plug replaced in the car, then you may need to visit your local NAPA AutoCare Center for assistance.
How do you tell if your freeze plugs are leaking?
Even if you don’t see a puddle of coolant underneath your vehicle, you may be able to smell it. Coolant leaks caused by bad freeze plugs will create a distinct odor. Coolant has a sweet odor. If you notice this sweet odor when inspecting the engine bay, you could have a coolant leak.
How hard is it to replace freeze plugs?
Will Stop leak fix leaking freeze plug?
If the leak is slow and small, a stop leak or block seal compound might work. However, this is usually a temporary solution at best – it might not work, might not last for long, and could clog up something else in your cooling system. The right way to fix it is to replace the freeze plug.
Will an engine run without a freeze plug?
Even if there is a spike in the coolant level, the engine is still still going. A freeze plug would likely allow the coolant to leak out very quickly since it is the closest place the engine would encounter a freeze. Exhaust fans or fans will fail as well as engine overheating if running without coolant.
Do you need to run antifreeze through outboard motor?
You do not need to run antifreeze through an outboard, period. They’re designed to drain completely in the tilted-down position, and do not need an ounce of antifreeze.
How do you winterize a 2 stroke outboard?
Fog the Engine
- Remove the engine cover and find the carburetor’s air intake port.
- With the engine running, spray a small amount of fogging oil into the intake. The engine will want to die, but keep it running by opening the throttle.
- Continue to fog the engine until it dies.