This new guy has a leaking problem. I can see the back plugs on both sides of the block and they are leaking antifreeze and look like those things hanging from the ceiling in caves. My question - what is the best way to remove and replace these plugs as well as the other 4. The local mechanics want $400.00 plus parts to fix. Thanks, Clay

i did this last yr its only like 1.00 a plug and to remove drill a big hole to fit a hack saw blade(without handle) and hack 1 side down to the block then bend and pry it out with a flathead then to put it back in take a socket big enough to just touch the inside of the plug and hammer it in with sum spots its tricky but i was able to do it after alot of stressin

Thanks 83 62LWorkhorse, You make it sound easy. You did not mention if you removed anything like motor mounts, starter, manifold etc. One of my plugs has the block heater and I don't think I want to remove it. Thanks again, I think I can do it. Clay

id clean up the block really good with emery cloth just to make sure there isnt going to be any leaks or youll just be kicking yourself later.

First pull your block plugs out and drain the block if not you will have a nice antifreeze bath !!!!!!!

Using a medium size punch hit the freeze plug on the top side of it . it will turn in the block then take a vise grip and clamp onto the exposed side . use a pry bar and go under the vise grip and pry it out. As 4320 said make sure to sand or clean up the block area. You can also apply some silicone to the inside edge of the plug before you install. Use a R.t.v that is antfreeze safe . Very important to drive the new plugs in straight or the best you can given the area you are working in .

If it was mine I would be replaceing that block heater those puppy's will leak too.


Good luck

i used permatex sealant on mine. boy were they a PIA to find in canada. listed all over in the states

Don't want to seem to be a total dummy - but - where are the block plugs and what is R.t.v. Am I to assume that you don't need to remove anything to replace the plugs. No one has said for sure.

you will need to undo the motor mounts and jack the motor because there is one plug behind the motor mount on either side of truck....

RTV stands for room temperture vulcanizing sealant. the freeze plugs are the roound steel things shoved in the sides of your engine block. theres also a block heater in one of the holes on the driverside i think.

The confusion was when revx1000 stated to "first remove the block plugs and drain.............". I thought there may be a drain plug to drain the block. I know if you poke a hole in a freeze plug you could get wet.

Even with having to remove the motor mounts, I think I can do it.

So here is my plan. Drain rad, undo mounts and jack up engine, punch hole in back plugs to drain remaining fluid, clean block, remove plugs and then using a socket, push in new plugs with r.t.v. or equivalent.

theres drain plugs on each side inbehind the motor mounts. sorry for my screwup.

good enough. i believe revx was talking about some of the screw in plugs. good luck on that, mine were all sealed in so good they would snap the end off a socket extension. if your real lucky some engines have a drain **** on them, but its rare. drain the rad and expect a little more AF when you pop the plugs


edit haha, it censored Kock lol

your allowed to say drain ****. just as long as you keep your draincock clean ;)

wow they blanked it! thats F'ed to the pin!

they cant edit spigot....

I was talking about the drain PLUGS. they are the lowest point in the block but yes they could be rusted in

Thanks to all you guys that are just a little north of Texas (Canada) and to the one just a little west of Texas (CA) for your helpful comments. Today the temperature was in the mid 60's and I was gathering pecans to go to the buyer. It is forecasted to be in the upper 50's this weekend so the old suburban is going into my shop and I will get on with this freeze plug replacement project.

I just spent $500.00 on parts to replace the front cover, water pump, timing chain and gears, rad hoses and clamps. The labor was another $500.00. I took it back to the mechanic when I saw AF on the driveway and he said the freeze plugs needed to be replaced and he thought another $500.00 labor - another mechanic said $400.00. I don't have another $500.00 to replace $8.00 worth of freeze plugs so I am going to try to do it myself.

Thanks again to all. Clay

Thats good Clay, hope it goes smooth for you. That way, next time you won't be giving them the first $500.00 either.:D

Always kind of figured the money is best left in our own pockets.....
We' be doing a good inspection of the garages work too, before starting frost (Texas???) plug project. Think in your case with those warm temps I'll call them water jacket access plugs...lol:D

I'll call them water jacket access plugs...lol:D


Good one LOL

Come on guys, cut me a little slack. Me and that old suburban has driven several thousand miles in the last 26 years just to go play in the snow (cold). One year in New Mexico, I forgot to plug in the block heater and I had diesel that was bought in Texas and it jelled. Thought I would never get that thing started.

Anyway, I love snow (about a week a year). It was 22 degrees overnight last week with a daytime high of about 37. That is about as cold as it gets here. The problem is it will be in the mid twenties at night and then be in the mid sixties during the day.

wow 26 years, since new or close to it then.. thats cool.

and your description of fuel problems is exactly how most fuel gelling problems happen. filling up in a warm area and going somewhere colder, it rarely happens anymore as most areas have fuel blended for their conditions

It was a Demonstrator (the dealer's wife drove it for about 4 months). We have had it since that time. It has been in the garage for the past 18 months as I could not find a front cover. My problem, as I later found out, I kept asking for a 6.2 cover and nobody had one. I finally got one out of Seattle, WA. Trick was to ask for a 6.5 cover and a plug to fill the hole that is for some kind of a sensor on the cam of a 6.5. That makes it a 6.2 cover. We have seen the speedo turn over and it now has 70XXX miles on it. Just broke in good if I can get these "water jacket plugs" replaced.

My driver is an 04 Duramax which is the best truck I have ever had and I have had a bunch.

you should fill out your signature.

OK I did it!!!

that will help us out quite a bit in future threads. thank you.

resident pinhead?????? who thinks up this stuff?????

that one i thought up. i run it by someone in the lounge and bam, i guess they thought it fit perfect!

The reason I had not added the signature earlier, I was not sure how to do it. Hey it worked.

Way to go Brent you are impressing me more everyday.....:rolleyes:

Open your alternator up, and change voltage regulator..... they are fragile, any sparks when connecting can short regulator or diodes out quicker than a guy can type D**n...:D

wrong thread right answer. i fixed the broken off voltage regulator with some glue and solder. works like a dream now.