engine severe problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

DAT RICE · 06-20-2009, 09:47 AM

i have a leak in the left ring in the engine, it's severe. so i'm gona have to sell this or trade it in.

Luckynumber5 · 06-20-2009, 10:12 AM

Thats called a freeze plug and they are replaceable.

DAT RICE · 06-20-2009, 12:10 PM

i circled it inred just to point it out. What's the exact part name for the one i need? There are DIYs for it in general, but is there one for 3rd camry? I am so relieved! thanks for the great news Lucky Number 5!

500KCamry · 06-20-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAT RICE

i circled it inred just to point it out. What's the exact part name for the one i need? There are DIYs for it in general, but is there one for 3rd camry? I am so relieved! thanks for the great news Lucky Number 5!

For cold weather, the same plug your circled is pulled and replaced with a block heater. The freeze plug should be a common item to get.

DAT RICE · 06-20-2009, 03:28 PM

so is there a diy or no? i asked a mechanic, he would charge 70 for replacement

flyeri · 06-20-2009, 03:49 PM

It is basic auto mechanics. Google it and you will get several DIY's. If it looks over you head pay the $70.

***JohnGD*** · 06-20-2009, 03:53 PM

Looks like you may have some corrosion problems. How often was the coolant changed?

As far as replacing, you may be able check Autozone's free repair guide with registration.

Basically:

1. Drain coolant.

2. Strike with a blunt punch at one side of the plug so the whole thing tilts sideways.

3. So you can pull it out with a plier.

4. Use a suitable sized socket to gently tap a new one in.

5. Refill coolant and check for leaks.

You can special order from parts store. Steel kit is like $10, brass kit like $40. Maybe a rebuild is willing to sell you just one.

DAT RICE · 06-20-2009, 07:38 PM

my car had been sitting for a long time, how often should the coolant be changed? Tomorrow I'm going to see if i can attempt the diy, i don't think there's suffiecient space to strike the plug. What's a punch?

flyeri · 06-20-2009, 08:23 PM

If you open the plug and cannot replace it you will not be able to drive to the shop for the $70 repair. Not trying to be rude but if your mechanical skills are limited to not knowing what a punch is you need to get some help with this. It is certainly a tight fit with two coolant lines and an oil filter in the way and not in a place you want to "learn" on.

Camry LE 94 · 06-20-2009, 11:06 PM

a punch is a narrow tool about 6" long and can come in different types of ends. you place the end of the punch on your intended object of work and you strike the punch with a hammer, lightly or whatever force is needed.

Luckynumber5 · 06-20-2009, 11:21 PM

Yeah if you dont have the tools or are not certain of your mechanical ability you should probably just pay the $70, be sure to ask the mechanic to fill it up with water and some radiator flush instead of antifreeze, then take it back to him in a week to flush all the crud out and fill it up with a nice summer water/antifreeze mix

DAT RICE · 06-21-2009, 01:57 PM

thanks for the help bros! One more question, what's the exact name of the piece i need? I would like to buy it today and then do the diy with my uncle, he knows his stuff;he manufactures machine parts for factories and does work on his cars in his spare time.

carsrus · 06-21-2009, 06:56 PM

Its called a freeze plug, its sopposed to blow out if the block freezes to prevent it from cracking.

flyeri · 06-21-2009, 07:02 PM

Good luck with that. Sounded like you needed a little guidance. You have to start somewhere and a little help on a not too hard job goes along way to building confidence for the next task that comes along. You will be doing brakes before long. Let us know how it went.