[trucheli]

I need Help on this one, I don't know what to do, the freeze plug that is across the IP it's got a leak, is it easy to change without taking the IP out??


Thanks

1992 300D 2.5 turbo OM602

 

[Zeitgeist]

are you 100% sure that's your source of the leak? I've never once heard of those leaking on an MB. If so, the IP needs to come out in order to gain proper access.

 

[tuttebenne]

Not sure if you've done a freeze out plug in the past. The plug is made of a soft metal so getting the leaking one out and installing a new one is relatively easy IF you have "line of sight" that is perpendicular to the plug. They are driven into the block so you need a way to direct a a controlled hammer blow to some type of drift (like an appropriately sized socket) that is against the new plug. Getting the old one out is usually easy if you hit it off center with something like a large Screwdriver or a chisel so it deforms enough for you to pull it out.

If you have components blocking your "line of sight" to the plug, you will have to remove them.

 

[Zeitgeist]

If you have components blocking your "line of sight" to the plug, you will have to remove them.

Yep ^

 

[trucheli]

Apparently it started to rust from the inside I think.
We'll, taking the IP is not going to happened for now, the solution was JB weld, and pray for the best :bowdown:

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Zeitgeist]

What kind of coolant is in there? While I've never seen a freeze plug rust through, I did have a heater outlet flange completely corrode through on the rear of the head:

I think the previous owners had used an inappropriate coolant without the correct corrosion inhibitors. You might want to do a complete flush and then replace with Zerex G-05 or genuine MB coolant

 

[trucheli]

What kind of coolant is in there? While I've never seen a freeze plug rust through, I did have a heater outlet flange completely corrode through on the rear of the head:

I think the previous owners had used an inappropriate coolant without the correct corrosion inhibitors. You might want to do a complete flush and then replace with Zerex G-05 or genuine MB coolant

you're right probably previous owner had used an inappropriate coolant, I can't tell the difference it looks green to me.

There is also a very small leak where the engine meets the housing of the torque converter, where tis leak could come from? the back of the engine is very dry.

Thanks for the advise.

 

[Zeitgeist]

Your coolant should look gold-yellow, sorta like pee--green is generally not an appropriate coolant type. Any coolant leaks at the back of the block are probably due to external sources like that heater hose junction, or attached hoses in the area.

 

[stormtigers]

Your coolant should look gold-yellow, sorta like pee--green is generally not an appropriate coolant type. Any coolant leaks at the back of the block are probably due to external sources like that heater hose junction, or attached hoses in the area.

Hey ZeiterGhost - recall if you will I had a rusted out freeze plug but mine was at the back of the block where they had inserted one of the screw in plugs where the block heater would have gone !

 

[meinpanzer]

Hey ZeiterGhost - recall if you will I had a rusted out freeze plug but mine was at the back of the block where they had inserted one of the screw in plugs where the block heater would have gone !

I had to do that one and the two next to it. Did them with the head off and exhaust out of the way, was very easy. On cylinders 5 & 6 they were both leaking. Green coolant by the PO.

 

[Zeitgeist]

These are the first references I can remember to hearing about freeze plug leaks on MB engines. Good to know

 

[trucheli]

JB weld fixed the leak on the freeze plug, I'm not ready to take out the IP, sounds like a big job for me, I'll do it when I change the bucket tappets one of them makes noise.

JB weld is working good ( for Now ), the very small antifreeze leak that I mention before was coming from the freeze plug, somehow the antifreeze ran all the way to the back where the engine meets the housing of the torque converter.
Flush the system 3 times till no green antifreeze comes out, used Liqui Moly radiator cleaner, and later pour new G-05

 

[trucheli]

Over a year now and JB Weld still doing a good Job, no leaks on that freeze plug.
but I found coolant leak in the rear where the engine meets the housing of the torque converter.

 

[stormtigers]

Not sure there is BUT try having a look at this spot as well.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-ce-d-td-class/1621950-mysterious-water-leak-3.html#post4995855