Coolant is pouring out as fast as I add it?

2012 FORD FOCUS
135,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
Is this a freeze plug that I have an arrow on? Coolant is pouring out of this very fast. The inside looks like a big hex female fitting. What is this and how can I fix it properly? Thank you! Picture attached.
Jun 10, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Yes, that is a threaded gallery plug. If it is leaking that badly it needs to be replaced. You would drain the coolant, then use a proper sized hex wrench to break that one free and remove it. Then you clean the corrosion and crud from the hole. Once clean you apply thread sealant and install the new plug.
Jun 11, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
Do you know where I can find one like this that isn't plastic? No luck from my local AutoZone.
Jun 11, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
I generally use OEM parts when possible.
Jun 11, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
I finally located one thats OEM. Its just a solid metal plug with no seal. Im wondering how coolant can just pour out like that when its plugged? There's no holes in it. What seals it?
Jun 11, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
You apply a thin coating of thread sealant to the threads, then it gets screwed in. Then you let the sealant cure. Then fill it. The interface of the threads with the sealant stops the leaks. If you want to see real oddities look at the conventional disc type freeze plugs. They machine the hole so it's round with a ledge, then you put a tiny amount of 3M sealant on the edge of the plug. Put it in place and use a hammer and punch to compress the dome in and force it to lock into the hole. The cooling system is only subjected to about 20 psi maximum as a worst case, so it really doesn't take a lot to seal it. What commonly happens is the coolant doesn't get changed or people run straight water, and they rust out from the inside.
Jun 11, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
Oh wow, but that makes sense. I have seen the conventional disc ones. I've seen people use a flat head screwdriver and knock a hole in it and then you a small pry bar to pull it out and then they put some sealant around the new one and use a socket just big enough to sit inside of it and hammer it in.

Jun 11, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Yes, that is the process. They rarely fail but just about every failed one I've dealt with was for corrosion.
Jun 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
Gotcha. Hopefully, I can do this myself without having to move a lot of stuff. Hopefully getting the old one out won't be too bad. I assume counterclockwise loosens.
Jun 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Yep, lefty loosey, righty tighty. There isn't really a torque spec on them, just in tight so they seat properly.
Jun 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
Okay, perfect I'll let ya know.
Jun 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
Do you happen to know what size hex head it is?
Jun 11, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
I generally just grab one that looks right while working. From the image I would think it's between 15 and 17 mm but I don't have one to check. They are not a common replacement item.
Jun 12, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Avatar
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 205 POSTS
The new plug is in. I used the Permatex water pump and gasket sealer. There's no weeding on how long it takes to fully cure but I did lay it on thick. Do you know the amount of time?
Jun 12, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Normally I wait at least a couple hours with that.
Jun 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM