QuestionI have been leaking anti-freeze for some months. A garage nearby was unable to diagnose the problem. Today, a mechanic that I asked to look over the same problem indicated the following: on the back of the engine block there is a particular freeze-out plug that needs to be replaced. I am told that the replacement part is not a big dollar, it is the labor piece. The labor should be about $600-650. Does this sound right? Is there any cheaper alternative? I have approximately 78K miles on the minivan and wonder if this is the beginning of the end for this vehicle. I have already dropped $500 in for a power steering assembly and another $300 for struts. Thank you for your time.
AnswerHello and thanks for the question......I'll try to help.
That is correct in saying that the plug itself isn't a big dollar item---usually about 5-20 bucks. It's the labor to replace the ones at the back of the engine that will kill you.
If the freeze plugs have "rotted" out, which is what has most likely happened, what is the condition of the other ones? They should be replaced as well. Just a thought.
To replace the one(s) at the back side of the engine, your mechanic has to remove the transmission, period! No way around it. The labor for that is listed out at for the 3.0L engine--6.4 hrs + .5 hr(s) for EACH freeze plug, and for the 3.8L engine---9.9 hrs +.5 hr(s) for each freeze plug.
Now comes the question......IS IT WORTH IT TO YOU?
I can't answer that....is it?
You should also know that the transmissions usually start to fail at around 75-80k miles on these vehicles, and that's an added cost of about 1300.00 (ish).
I hope this helps,
Erik
