1984 300D. My front freezeout plug is leaking, drivers side. I've searched and have not come up with too much info. This plug is right behind the IP. Would like to try to replace it without removing said IP. I'm open for suggestions. This is my daily driver so I can't keep it laided up for long.
Thanx Jimmy

Hi
In the past I've used rubber expandable freeze plugs when there was no way to install the regular metal ones without pulling the engine.

You slip it into the hole and tighten the nut until it locks in place.

I would rather do the job correctly myself but never had a failure with the expandable plug either.

Most freeze plug failures are caused by rust and indicate a lack of care in the past. If one goes out - others may be ready to fail also.

Good Luck,

Joseph

Joseph thanx for the quick reply. Where might I find these rubber expandable freeze plugs that you speak of ? Might they be the ones that are used for plumbing and swimming pools, or is it something that is obtained from the auto parts store ? Just lookin for an easy fix, looks as if the rear one is weeping also
Jimmy

You need to buy and expandable one that is made for the job in an Auto Parts Store. Also do not get one with a "Wing Nut".


The ones you are speaking of for plumbing are not made to take the heat and exposure to automotive chemicals. In fact those plugs are oten sold as "Test Plugs" for temp use to test a system for leaks.

Notice the sturdy construction of the one in the pic.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Got ya, thank's, made my day a little brighter would'nt happen to know the size, would ya ?
Jimmy

Check your coolant, it may be just water. Rusting freeze plugs is normally caused by diluted coolant as there is little or no rust inhibitant. I hope there is no freeze plug between the block and the transmission. My friend's Corolla had the same problem and they have to pull the transmission to fix it.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

You might take a careful eye on all the other freeze plugs, they usually rust from the inside out, and from my experience usually at the same rate, so if one plug is rusted out, the others aren't far behind. The good news is they are cheap, just can be a pain to access.

Auto parts stores - they are made specifically for automotive engines.

Been lookin online lots of sizes. Anyone know the size ?
Thanx Jimmy

I do not know the size of the stock Freeze Plug. However, the Rubber one will have a size range it can work in.

I went to my favorite parts site and for an 84, 300D they only sell 34mm Expansion/Freez plugs. I do not know if that is just all that they sell or it is the only size the Engine uses.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Hi

I don't know the size either - but it should be possible to measure the plug with a tape measure.

One other thing - the hole has to be deep enough for the expandable plug to go all the way in until its almost flush with the block. If its only part way in - it will pop out when you try to tighten the nut. I have had cases where the expandable plug wouldn't go in far enough to do the job

Also, the plugs are really to seal the casting holes left over from when the block was made - but are often misnamed "freeze plugs". If you allow the water in the block to freeze it will likely crack the block rather than just push the plugs out.

Good Luck,

Joseph

They make thinner Rubber ones and they also have an expanding metal plug. However, the expanding metal plug has to be very close to the size of the hole; it does not have as much size variation.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I look at my 83 300D this evening and I think you have enough room to press fit a new plug there. There is about 1' to 1 1/2" clearance there. You need to be inventive. I would do it like this.

1) remove the old freeze plug
2) Clean the area well and press the new one in, glue it with JB weld
3) Make a tool that expands when tighten, press it against the IP and the freeze plug. Put a metal plate on the IP to spread the load.
4) Tighten the tool to press it in, similar to using a mini scissor jack. Do not over do it but I think the IP should be strong enough.
5) Done.

Hope this help.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

Thanks, will give it a try once it stops raining.....size is 34mm. Thanks for all your help, definitely looks possible without removing the IP.... Will try pressing one in but will have a rubber or copper expandable one on hand just in case.
Jimmy

What rain? The sun is always shining in San Diego. Anyway, it is definitely doable.

Use something similar here but smaller, this is just an idea. Or make a leverage rod just above the plug, bolt a pivot somewhere above the plug and push it in. Please report what you did, with picture(s) and it would help other members in the future.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/37800-37899/37846.gif

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.