freeze plug seeping water - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

strap · #1 01-10-2007, 09:32 AM

1992 2.5 300 D both freeze plugs seeping anti-freeze. Look like hard to replace with engine in car. any quick fixes or patch work jobs do.

leathermang · #2 01-10-2007, 11:00 AM

Check to see if the size hole allows the use of the rubber expansion type ... you still need to clean the surface well... just as you would with brass/aircraft gasket cement ( not saying MB suggests that.. just usual on old cars I worked on )...
The rubber expansion type just needs to be inserted in the clean hole and the bolt in the center tightened.... correct placement is important so you have right about of bulge inside the block area... but they ought to last till spring or summer when mechanicing is more fun....

Jkid · #3 01-10-2007, 11:09 AM

Plumber's epoxy? Not sure what the expanding and contracting from the heat would do though. Maybe some JB Weld? I've never used the stuff though.

Stevo · #4 01-10-2007, 02:33 PM

I remember putting these things in the engine when on a stand and thinking, "Man, I wonder HOW you would fix a leaky one in the car"

So Greg, theres hope?

kerry · #5 01-10-2007, 02:46 PM

I've used plumber's epoxy on hot water radiators in my house. Still holding 16 yrs later.
Can of stop leak should also work. I like the little shards of aluminum kind of stop leak.

mobetta · #6 01-10-2007, 02:52 PM

not saying you shoul do this to a benz, but my old f-100 had a leaky plug on the rear of the block, under the bell housing. i used alumaseal- the ground up aluminum in a tube. it worked great. I have never had luck w/ other stuff(barsleaks, etc) but alumaseal has even fixed a head gasket for 20k+ miles, for me.

I also have repaired a radiator with a fist sized hole thru it using jb weld. It worked long enough to replace it.(A few months) dont jump uni-bodies. they flex too much on landing. took me twice to learn that one

If you plan on keeping the car, your best bet is to fix them right, however.

leathermang · #7 01-10-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I remember putting these things in the engine when on a stand and thinking, "Man, I wonder HOW you would fix a leaky one in the car"

So Greg, theres hope?

Yes, there are alternatives...but first let me tell you about the worst possible case ...
I owned a 1957 XK 140 fixed head coupe... the big fenders, cat like smooth... long but tiny hood...

Well , some idiot engineer allowed the rear of the engine block to be about one inch from the firwall... not fatal usually... but THEN PUT A STEEL FREEZE PLUG THERE... so naturally by the time I owned the car it had started leaking.... So I had to pull the engine to replace the freeze plug....

LESSON : ALways USE BRASS FREEZE PLUGS.... they don't rust....

Palangi · #8 01-10-2007, 10:31 PM

Just out of curiosity, what flavor of coolant has this car been using?

stephenson · #9 01-10-2007, 10:55 PM

There are also copper versions made as emergency plugs - slightly different concept for expansion than the rubber ones, but were available in various sizes at the local autoparts place.

I have been told they are more likely to last than the rubber plugs.

I had one pop from a boat engine last year and was able to get to it only by feel - still managed to reinsert the original (it was undamaged - I had just done a poor job of winterproofing, leaving some water in the block) - used the end of 22 oz hammer (detached from the shaft) and beat in place by feel only ... bloody job, but it worked.