The freeze-out plug is the name for the nozzle-like thing one loosens to drain the antifreeze from the block, right? It's a pain to reach, you'd think it could have been engineered in a more convenient place.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

The only time it should really ever be used is during a cylinder head removal, and the exhaust manifolds are removed for easier access to that.

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http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-RESIZED-1.jpg
1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

Dynalow: I've had the valve stem seals replaced, and the tranny rebuilt; the car is still a delight to drive. I bought it about 6 years ago for my son, for its safety & design.

JohnM: I recall the Haynes Manual and/or posters here advising opening the freeze-out plug to drain coolant from the block; it was a pain to get the wrench in between the manifold pipes, that I do remember.

__________________
87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

I would take it to MR MB Motors in Tarzana for a second opinion. He is the best indie in the LA area. Highly recommended. Honest and reliable. Has done all of my head work and major work on any my MB cars.

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Norm K.
'97 E420 Sport
'06 E350 Sedan
'67 Mustang Coupe
'70 F-250
'15 VW Jetta

Yesterday afternoon, I arranged for Enrique to receive the car and check it out today.

__________________
87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

No, the freeze plugs and the block drain plug are two different things. The drain plug, used to drain coolant out of the block when changing it every 30K miles, is not hard to reach at all.

The freeze plugs (4) have to be pounded in with a drift, requiring the removal of the exhaust manifold for the two on that side.