A freeze plug, also known as a expansion plug or core plug, is a device used to seal a hole in an engine block or cylinder head. Freeze plugs are made of metal and are placed in the engine block at the factory during manufacturing. Over time, these plugs can corrode and break down, causing coolant to leak into the engine. If this happens, it's important to replace the freeze plug as soon as possible. Here are some signs that your freeze plug may be blown:
- Coolant leaking from the engine: If you notice coolant leaking from your engine, it's likely that one or more of your freeze plugs has failed. The most common place for coolant to leak from is around the edge of the radiator cap.
- Engine overheating: A blown freeze plug can cause your engine to overheat. This is because coolant is no longer circulating properly and is instead leaked into theengine compartment.
- White smoke from exhaust: Another symptom of a blown freeze plug is white smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe. This happens when coolant gets into the combustion chamber and causes steam to build up in the exhaust system.