Hello all.

First of all I have a 97 F150 4.6L, 240,000 miles. Only changed the alternator awhile back and everything else has been okay so I thought. I notice a leak from the passenger side, but let that go, figured it probably coming from the condesation coming from the Air conditioner. But, the last couple of days noticed it was increasing decided to check again and notice it was leaking from the rubber stop on the bell housing of the transmission. I read the numerous post on the possibilties of the problem. long story short Looked check all possible areas noticed rust build up around three freeze plugs. started the motor, and noticed leaks from all three. (One on the right adjacent to the motor mount, two on the left adjacent to the the motor mount and forward of that.

My question is it possible to replace the plugs with the motor installed? or what other alternatives do you think i could do to fix this.

open to any and all suggestions

 

The mechanics always used to change them with the engine installed, but they had special tools to drive the plugs back in with the engine in the vehicle. Sometimes they are pretty hard to get to though. You sometimes had to remove a motor mount or other parts to get to some of them. Also, remember that they sometimes have them on the back of the block (requires trans. removal to get to them). i would try it with the motor in but it CAN be a job not for the faint of heart.
I'm not necessarily suggesting this but you have a lot of miles on it, you could try draining it and using a heat gun or hair drier to make sure there is not moisture around the plugs, clean them well with steel wool and laquer thinner or simple green or something that will insure a good surface and fill them with JB Weld. That stuff is terrific and it may well last you until you have to pull to overhaul or replace. I bought some time on a Pontiac one time that way and it worked great. Make sure you get ALL of them though because when 1 goes, the rest are sure to soon follow. Good Luck!

 

if you can get to them to get them out you could try expansion plugs, they are rubber plugs with metal washers and a bolt thru the middle, you just insert tighten the bolt and they expand to plug the hole I've used them before on older engines and never had any problems but if you are in a very cold area they may not last for more than a couple of years