Hey everyone.....new to the forum and looking for some help.

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Cloud40

Joined
Jan 31, 2020
Messages
15
Location
Arizona
I have an early 72 with the original F motor in it. There is coolant coming out of the motor ( see pic ). Is it some sort of a plug or is this considered a cracked block?
20200131_141437.jpg
 
you could remove it and install a block heater in its place.

if going to replace, get the correct size freeze plug.
 
As already mentioned, Freeze plug (or Welsh plug). They are designed to be pushed out by water in the engine freezing and expanding, hopefully preventing a cracked block. Fairly easy to replace, if you have room to swing a hammer...
Very important to get the correct sized replacement (metric). Any of the knowledgeable vendors here on 'Mud will gladly sell you the correct replacement . You might want to get a few, there are 4 or 5 of these in your block, some are easier to get to than others.
Also as mentioned above, you might be able to pop your leaker back in as a temporary fix. Maybe a long socket extension, or piece of broomhandle centered in the plug and a small sledge hammer on the other end, give it a few whacks and see what happens.
Also, I don't believe we have properly welcomed you yet, so here... :flipoff2:
 
3_puppies said:
you could remove it and install a block heater in its place.

if going to replace, get the correct size freeze plug.
Click to expand...
I'm going to try and remove it.this weekend......I think the toughest part will be getting to
Dizzy said:
Welcome to Mud. Is that F a recent rebuild?
Click to expand...
Thanks.......I've had my cruiser for a while and work on when I have a little extra time and money
 
Pighead said:
As already mentioned, Freeze plug (or Welsh plug). They are designed to be pushed out by water in the engine freezing and expanding, hopefully preventing a cracked block. Fairly easy to replace, if you have room to swing a hammer...
Very important to get the correct sized replacement (metric). Any of the knowledgeable vendors here on 'Mud will gladly sell you the correct replacement . You might want to get a few, there are 4 or 5 of these in your block, some are easier to get to than others.
Also as mentioned above, you might be able to pop your leaker back in as a temporary fix. Maybe a long socket extension, or piece of broomhandle centered in the plug and a small sledge hammer on the other end, give it a few whacks and see what happens.
Also, I don't believe we have properly welcomed you yet, so here... :flipoff2:
Click to expand...
You mentioned expanding, could it be caused by overheating? I was driving it on the freeway for about 20 miles and all of a sudden I had an explosion of coolant and than smoke. I immediately pulled over and saw coolant just pouring out the underside
 
That first picture , right above the freeze plug in question, is that an illusion ? Looks like a crack in casting but may be an illusion.
 
Don’t forget to drain the coolant first If your gonna pull out that plug!



devo
 
Well, traditionally, freeze plugs only pop out when the water (coolant) freezes...they're (usually) stuck in there pretty tight. Your radiator cap should vent to atmosphere at 12 or 15 PSI or something like that. I forget. I don't suppose you were looking at your water temp gauge while on the freeway?
In any event, I do suppose that some overheating could cause that Welch plug to fail IF it was installed incorrectly, or is the wrong sized plug.
After your "explosion of coolant and then smoke" I assume you lifted the hood. Did you notice smoke (steam perhaps?) coming from the radiator cap area or only the Welch plug area? Was coolant coming out of only the Welch plug?
 
devo said:
Don’t forget to drain the coolant first If your gonna pull out that plug!



devo
Click to expand...
Pighead said:
Well, traditionally, freeze plugs only pop out when the water (coolant) freezes...they're (usually) stuck in there pretty tight. Your radiator cap should vent to atmosphere at 12 or 15 PSI or something like that. I forget. I don't suppose you were looking at your water temp gauge while on the freeway?
In any event, I do suppose that some overheating could cause that Welch plug to fail IF it was installed incorrectly, or is the wrong sized plug.
After your "explosion of coolant and then smoke" I assume you lifted the hood. Did you notice smoke (steam perhaps?) coming from the radiator cap area or only the Welch plug area? Was coolant coming out of only the Welch plug?
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, it was late at night. I walked off the freeway and called for a tow
 
OK, I foresee a couple different scenarios here for you...
1) If you've been leading a good, clean life, going to Church and calling your Mom regularly, it's just a loose, poorly installed freeze plug. Looking at your pic of same, it does not look factory. Is this a rebuilt engine?
B) You got serious problems.
How hot was the engine when it blew? Why didn't your radiator cap blow first? (if it didn't).
I'm hoping it's #1 and all you need to do is hammer in a new plug. PIA that it is, it's cheaper and easier than #B
 
When was the last time the antifreeze was changed? Fresh coolant has anti-freeze, anti-boil, and anti-corrosion properties. It is common for folks to open the block drain and nothing comes out because rust piles up in the engine cavities. If coolant can't get to the radiator and/or it is too dilute or old, I could see boiling happening, however, I wouldn't guess that it would. I'm placing bets on a bad freeze plug because I've read it on Mud before, and that plug looks different.
 
Cloud40 said:
You mentioned expanding, could it be caused by overheating? I was driving it on the freeway for about 20 miles and all of a sudden I had an explosion of coolant and than smoke. I immediately pulled over and saw coolant just pouring out the underside
Click to expand...

check your water pump - I blew it once, sounded like an explosion, mongo smoke - coolant all over the place

I also sent you a private message
 
Last edited:
Dizzy said:
Welcome to Mud. Is that F a recent rebuild?
Click to expand...

This is a more important question than you may realize. IF this a rebuilt engine, there is a possibility that the correct plug was not used...TIMES FOUR. :eek:

You need to carefully examine the plug to see if it has any markings on it.
 
65swb45 said:
This is a more important question than you may realize. IF this a rebuilt engine, there is a possibility that the correct plug was not used...TIMES FOUR. :eek:

You need to carefully examine the plug to see if it has any markings on it.
Click to expand...


i 5th the correct plug very approach

- Mark , where should @Cloud40 go to source a Correct metric new freeze plug ?

besides , Moss Street in Burbank ?

or indeed order from Moss street ?
 
ToyotaMatt said:
i 5th the correct plug very approach

- Mark , where should @Cloud40 go to source a Correct metric new freeze plug ?

besides , Moss Street in Burbank ?

or indeed order from Moss street ?
Click to expand...

Like Greg @Pighead said, there are MANY vendors who can supply this part. IIRC the plugs are still available from the dealer for under $5. That would not make me,with a $100 minimum order policy, his first choice.

OTOH, if he wants to do as many others here have, and establish a long term working relationship with a Landcruiser specialist with superior diagnostic skills who also sells parts, he is welcome to leave me a VM. :)

www.marksoffroad.net
 
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