Bad Freeze Plug

[dave&ginny]

Here's the update on the bad Freeze Plug.


First I tried calling Spartan and the guy was less than helpful so I called Entegra. They gave me another number for Spartan and this time I got a guy who was more helpful. He at least gave me a number for Cummins.



The lady there was helpful and directed me to a local warranty shop. They said that this was probably caused by a bad freeze plug. It will be covered under warranty but there's a $100 deductible. Towing and the replacement antifreeze is not covered.


I'm going to put a screw in that hole with some silicone on it and hopefully we can make the 45 mile trip to the shop. I'll also pay to have them flush the system.



I'll also add to my tool bag a temporary expandable freeze plug kit

[Matt D]

Dave, thanks for the update.

-Matt

[Gary.Jones]

Dave

Since I have no idea of what I would ask for if I was looking for a temporary freeze plug, I would appreciate it if you would pass on here on iRV2 exactly what you found and bought for your coach when you find it.

Thanks in advance....

Gary

[Matt D]

FYI, here is some info on the Extender. I’m awaiting a reply from Spartan about the coolant change interval. I also plan to contact OWI, Old World Industries, maker of Peak coolant products including Final Charge, in order to ask what their recommendations are.

I’ve spoken with OWI in the past and they are very helpful.

http://www.hartlandlubes.com/wp-cont...e_Extender.pdf

Best Regards,

-Matt

[Mwoodofd]

Spartan put the extender in my radiator at my 3 year warranty check instead of changing the coolant. I need to get the paperwork from the Motor home to check how long it was supposed to work - not sure if it was years, miles, or hours?

[dave&ginny]

All these years of driving and I've never had a freeze plug rust through. I've never even heard of this happening before. With my radiator being replaced a little over 2 years ago and new fluid changed then, either I hit the jack-pot of a bad freeze plug, or these things are fragile.



On one hand I'm glad it's an easy fix and under warranty, but on the other hand it's a little disturbing because this could have happened while driving through a big city many miles from home.

[HzrdUs]

I have a coolant leak on the front side of the engine. I always thought it was coming from a auxiliary coolant line. But after this post I looked closer and it looks like it may be coming from the freeze plug too. However I don’t see any holes. It might be a bad seal.

[dave&ginny]

[QUOTE=HzrdUs;4676677]I have a coolant leak on the front side of the engine. I always thought it was coming from a auxiliary coolant line. But after this post I looked closer and it looks like it may be coming from the freeze plug too. However I don’t see any holes. It might be a bad seal. Attachment 237992Attachment 237993[/QUOTE

Is that leaking or is it gathering moisture there from the top pipe style plug

[HzrdUs]

[QUOTE=dave&ginny;4676716]

Originally Posted by HzrdUs

I have a coolant leak on the front side of the engine. I always thought it was coming from a auxiliary coolant line. But after this post I looked closer and it looks like it may be coming from the freeze plug too. However I don’t see any holes. It might be a bad seal. Attachment 237992Attachment 237993[/QUOTE

Is that leaking or is it gathering moisture there from the top pipe style plug

It was hard to tell exactly where it was coming from. I cleaned the area up and will run the engine to get a better idea. Does anyone know the torque value on the plug?

[clifford j]

I would not re torque the plug, if it's proven to be the leak replace it. Or, there are some really good sealants that can be added into the coolant.

CLIFFORD

[fcbbob15]

Years ago I would replace them in my gas engines with brass freeze plugs. Not sure if that's an option with your engine and coolant. Never had an issue with brass, still have a 50 year old car with them installed in 1980.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by dave&ginny

All these years of driving and I've never had a freeze plug rust through. I've never even heard of this happening before. With my radiator being replaced a little over 2 years ago and new fluid changed then, either I hit the jack-pot of a bad freeze plug, or these things are fragile.

Dave there has been talk of mixing coolants. Spartan says using any of the 3 coolant listed together is fine. Others say it is not.
When Lazy Days replaced my radiator they used Xerox instead of Peak and did not flush the system. Don't know if that would have caused a problem or not.
When your radiator was changed did they replace the coolant with Peak Final Charge?

[jettyjock]

Many, many years ago I was told that they weren't designed as freeze plugs.

They were there to let the sand out of the castings.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by jettyjock

Many, many years ago I was told that they weren't designed as freeze plugs.

They were there to let the sand out of the castings.

I'll bet if I went into a parts house and asked for a sand casting drain plug, they guy would probably tell be they sold the last one with the Johnson Rod.