Where is the Freeze plug located on a 1999 grand prix se Also How do you replace it?

Answer 1

First of all, this is not a job for a beginner do-it-yourselfer. I admire your spirit for wanting to take it on, and it might be a good learning experience if you have plenty of time to devote to it, and have a spare vehicle. There are several freeze plugs on the engine, they are the circular looking plugs that are on the block, probably 2 per side, and then a few where the transmission bell-housing mounts up, and perhaps 1 or 2 on the 'front' of the engine (reference the engine as where the belts are in the front, not the side). I'm going to assume you have a coolant leak somewhere and somebody told you that you have a leaking freeze plug. First, there are a great many things that could be leaking. Does your engine run rough all the sudden, or not at all? You may have a blown head gasket. It is rare, but you could also have a cracked block. If it is a freeze plug, which is entirely possible, first you must find out which one is leaking, gain access, then remove the old one (this can be a pain in the rear wether the engine is in the car or out!). I'm sure there are many techniques to removing them, some are better than others, some use a special tool, others improvise. I have personally never used the tool, but I'm sure it would make the job much easier, if someone else reads this and would like to fill in the blanks on that, I'm sure it would be a good post. Otherwise, I have used a combination of hammers, punches, etc, to try to further damage the plugs, distort them, whatever it takes, so you can get a pair of pliers on it and pull it out, caution must be observed to not punch the freeze plug in too far such that it would go into the water jackets of the block. if you can punch it so it cocks at an angle, you should be able to pull on it. Perhaps a better way would be to drill a moderate sized hole in it and use a screwdriver or pry bar to pry it out through that drilled hole. As far as installation goes, you pretty much just beat the new ones in to place. Use a socket of a very close diameter to the outside diameter of the freeze plug to help hit it in. You might get a good sealant, I have used a product that is commonly refered to as gorilla snot because of its yellow color and thick sticky consistency (I'm not sure of the true name). Put some of that stuff around the freeze plug(s) before you put them in and guaranteed they won't leak again. Again, I must stress, this is not a job for the faint of heart, the half-assed mechanic, or the beginner, unless you are very patient and dedicated. Good luck, Scott C. The Shade Tree Technician LLC Wichita, KS