How do you replace a freeze plug on a 1997 Mercury Villager?

Answer 1

If you have a leaking casting plug, (freeze plug), then your cooling system is corroded. First thing to do is drain the system, back flush the cooling system. Inspect all other casting plugs and replace all that are corroded. Remove the old casting plugs by driving a center punch into the middle of the plug and prying it out. clean the area throughly with a wire brush on a drill. Do not use a grinder. Purchase a new casting plug and rent the tool to install it from the auto parts store where you purchase it. Usually they will rent this free. Insert the new casting plug and with the tool, hammer it home. It takes a good lick to seat the plug. Install a new thermostat, and replace and hoses that are suspect. Now install a 50/50 mix of coolant and water, bleed air out of the system if the system has bleeder valves.