Ford 460.....bad frost plugs!

[hillslider]

I own a 97 Ford F250 with the 460 and the other day was going to work when the temp light came on......I also have a gauge and it was heading for the red zone. I pulled over and there was engin coolant running out from the right side of the engine. I let her cool down and limped her to the dealer. A frost plug had rotted out and finally left loose. Of all the cars I have had I had never heard of this. I maintain this truck very closely because I can not afford the 35-40k to buy new. She only has 62000 miles on and I just thought this was strange. The dealer replaced all the plugs on that side of the engine and is suggesting to do the other side. Is this a common thing for Ford? I sure hope my baby is not turning into a nickle and dime spender! Any thoughts?

 

[BXMMCC]

Have you been changing your antifreeze?

 

[beagdog]

Have you regularly flushed the cooling system and kept fresh coolant in it? At that low of mileage, you probably need to do that every couple of years. The big block Fords circulate a lot of water, and the coolant and additives just plain wears out. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I've had a few 460's, but switched to diesels in 1985. I vaguely remember something about the big blocks suffering a little of the cavitation the diesels suffered from before long life coolant came around.

I wouldn't take a chance, I'd have the other side done, no sense risking it happening to the left side and taking a chance on overheating that 460, a head gasket job would be more than a nickel or dime. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[beagdog]

Guess we were thinking the same thing, you're just a little faster on the post!

 

[theonlybull]

i've seen it happen on every model around here. get the other side changed, then spray some undercoating on them, or cover them in grease, then change your coolant.

up here, they rust from the outside in .

 

[SimS]

If you are going to replace the plugs, go with brass and forget about it happening again.
Brass Plugs
Good Luck

Sim

 

[hillslider]

Well I am glad to kind of hear that this may be a Ford thing....not just mine. When I bought the truck used 3 years ago I had the coolant changed. When I bought it had 48k on her and I was going to do it again at 70k or so. I thought this was adequate......or should I go by time rather than miles? I wanted to use the brass plugs but the dealer only wanted to use what ever was oem. I will get the other side done as soon as I have a couple c notes to blow.

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ................... I wanted to use the brass plugs but the dealer only wanted to use what ever was oem. ................. )</font>

When you are paying the bill, then you have the right to insist that they use the type of part that you request. If it were me, I would have told them to use the brass plugs or I would take it elsewhere to have the work done. I hate when others try to dictate their preference when I am paying the bill. This is one of those cases where it is either my way or the highway. Stand firm when you have the other side done and remember that a job such as that doesn't have to be done by the dealer. Any competent mechanic (technician) can do the job.
While you are having the job done, it might be the time to have a block heater installed also. They go into the freeze plug hole. You can get one specifically for your truck for about $30 at NAPA....

Junkman

 

[hillslider]

Junkman,

I agree with you about the use of brass plugs. I failed to mention that the dealer also will warranty the work with OEM parts. After kind of thinking about it now I wish I would have just with the brass. I like the idea of the engine heater....I hope it normally gets installed on the left? I will be doing that for sure. I use the Ford dealer because there really is not anyone else. Of all the people I have spoke to, no one can recommend a good honest mechanic in my area. This dealer so far has been really good. I also have had my 97 Taurus in for several things and they do good work and there prices seem pretty good. I guess life is a big learning experience.....sometimes the learning curve is a little steep. I felt it kind of hard to argue to a knowledgeable dealer of something I had little knowledge in.

 

[Junkman]

I wouldn't call that dealer knowledgeable, but stubborn. Anyone with any knowledge knows that brass doesn't rust! They are just obstinate because they rather fight than change their ways.