Freeze plugs location

1997 FORD EXPLORER

220,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

JAMIECAROL94

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5 POSTS
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I have a coolant leak on SUV on passenger side front. pretty sure it is not the water pump. I'm thinking it is a freeze plug, but can't see where the leak is coming from. It pours out as fast as I can put it in whether car is running or not. Can anyone give me advise on where to find a diagram or tell me the location of all freeze plugs? I have searched the net over and can't find a diagram for my SUV. Please help! Thanks in advance.

Dec 2, 2019 at 10:30 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

CERTIFIED EXPERT
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

The freeze plugs are usually on the side of the engine block. If the leak is in front of the engine, it is going to be either the upper or lower radiator hoses, the water pump, or a coolant crossover tube. In the diagrams down below I have included an exploded diagram of your vehicle cooling system for you. Please use this diagram and correlate where the leak is to the components and get back us with what you find out. We can go from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Dec 3, 2019 at 4:57 AM

JAMIECAROL94

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Could you explain to me where the coolant crossover tube is? Here's a picture of where it's leaking. Is there a freeze plug behind the timing chain cover?

Dec 3, 2019 at 9:27 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

CERTIFIED EXPERT
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Okay, there are no freeze plugs behind the timing chain cover. If that is where your vehicle is leaking coolant at, it is going to be a bad water pump and/or water pump gasket. In the diagrams down below I have included an exploded diagram of your vehicle's engine and the instructions for the removal and installation of your vehicle's water pump. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Dec 3, 2019 at 12:03 PM