Hi. Simple question here.

My 4A is leaking some coolant, which I've identified as the rear freeze plug. It noticeably dripped some coolant when I was doing my transmission, and none of the hoses are leaking, so I'm thinking that's what it is. What I'm wondering is if the freeze plug is behind the clutch, flywheel and transmission plate.

This is on a 16 valve bigport 4A-GE.

I've been looking for pictures, but I can only find pictures of 20v 4A-GEs.

In addition, what size freeze plugs would I be using, just while I'm asking.

There does appear to be one here

http://forums.club4ag.com/zerothread?cmd=print&id=49198

They are probably all the same size, however I have a spare block, I can get my mate to measure the plug if you want?

Before you jump into replacing a freeze plug [a real pain] Also check the steel coolant tubes with a mirror and a lite. I though I had a leaking freeze plug, when in fact it was a small pin hole rusted thru the coolant tube. Much easier to fit then a plug. Dave W

Looks like it couldn't be in a more awkward place...



Looks like it is an engine out job to replace that one

Cheers... jondee86

Well, that's actually very unfortunate. Gonna take the tranny off tomorrow, and assess the situation.

The lines didn't seem to be leaking when I felt them.

Hopefully I can just do it underneath the car because I don't have a hoist, and bringing it to a shop will set me back on getting a winter shitbox even more than I already am.

Taking the box off and flywheel will be adequate, the engine doesn't need to come off.

However when I was taking my flywheel off, you'll find that the only mount holding the engine on, is on the RHS side. You'll need to support the sump and engine a lot more, otherwise when you attempt to undo the flywheel bolts, the engine will rock massively and probably break off of the last mount.

It's not a very safe job to do if the engine is not supported enough.

Well, I took the tranny off and the core plug feels dry. I can't see any leaks above the transmission, however, there was a trail of semi-dry coolant (not really visible in the picture.) It went all the way up to the top of the starter as far as I could see. Didn't really see any on the opposite side. Gonna let it sit overnight and see if I get some drops.

Since you have gone this far, even if you do not see any coolant, I would clean around the freeze plug and then use 2 part epoxy to add a safety factor for a good seal. It might only weep coolant when hot. Dave W