Mercedes Benz repair: Mercedes diesel fix suggestion needed..., mercedes diesel, frost plug


Question
Hi Tim...

  I popped the casting (frost)plug out of the block of my 82 MB300CD diesel during record cold snap here on west coast. Tried installing generic expandable rubber plug, but like most things Benz, there's not much clearence behind the injection pump to swing a wrench to expand the plug. Could I chill and shrink the original plug with dry ice and re-insert it ... ? Otherwise it will require R+R oilfilter,injection pump,etc., for this relatively simple fix. Any suggestions.. ?

Answer
I don't think so, but it is worth a try. Put some sealant around the casting before try to insert the plug. I would use a new one if at all possible. I use dry ice here to put valve seats and it works very well. Give it shot it can't hurt. Good Luck!