chevy v6 freeze plugs

[StateRoad20]

my buddy has a 94 or so v6 blazer...he over heated it and and took it to the mechanic and they told him that his freeze plugs had gone bad..what exactly does a freeze plug do?...how expensive are they to fix?

[Gt]

Freeze plugs are just plugs that go into the block. Can be hard to get too, but easily replaced. Just pull out the old and hammer in a new one.

http://chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/p159197_image_small.jpg


http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/83818/

[StateRoad20]

thanks man...you said it can be hard to get to...but would pulling out the motor be nessecary to replace those things?...they quoted him like $800-1400 for that and like one or two other things...
oh...but what do they do?

[Gt]

It can sometimes require you to pull the engine. Depends on which freeze plug needs to be replaced. There are several of them on the engine.

They are suppose to help keep a block from cracking if the water freezes in the block. They are also how they get the sand out of the casting when they make the engine block. Any cast piece like a engine block or head will have a hole for removing the sand used to make the casting.

[StateRoad20]

thanks man...i appriciate your help and i'll let him know..i always wondered what they did.

[jackcmcd]

98 Blazer, S-10, 4.3, V-6, bunch of miles, freeze plugs leaking. Are there 3 on each side and are they hidden behind the motor mounts? Thanks

[v8minus2]

so when you coming back up cale?

[NotoriousGreaseMonkey]

There are also some on the back of the block If I am not mistaken. That would require removing the trans or engine. The ones on the side of the block are difficult but can be removed and installed without removing the engine. DO NOT let them install rubber plugs and make sure they use Aircraft grade permatex on the new plugs. It is a stinky dark brown sealant that is brushed on. I know most ppl have good luck without using this but I have seen new plugs leak so this is an extra prevanative.