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Should there be a class action lawsuit for the problem of freeze plug popping out?
Should there be a class action lawsuit for the problem of freeze plug popping out of the cylinder head between 2 cam gears?
The freeze plug (or called expansion, c-cup, frost, core plug) is 36mm.
I just got hit by this problem with my 2013 mini cooper hardtop R56 N16 with 70K miles.
The more googling I did, the more I saw people having this problem.
To those who fixed this problem, do u really have to remove the engine mount or the cylinder head to reinstall the plug?
The Dorman 555-103 plug is 36.5mm and I could not get it in. Could u?
I also tried the closest Dorman sizes(and drawer searches at every local auto parts store), but ended up ordering the exact size/part # for both plugs from outmotoring. Installed with the CH installed and engine mount removed. Added a thin(super thin) layer of black make-a-gasket and used a variety of tools and extensions to seat it. it would certainly be easier with CH removed.
Ok. I am lazy and I am trying to not remove the engine mount nor the outer plug. I could position the plug back in using magnet and I should, hopefully, be able to use some leverage (breaker bar + large socket?) to push it back in. Still waiting for the right plug. I will report back with photos if I get that done my way.
Ok. Finally got the OEM plug. (Don't bother Dorman or MTC 4077).
I did not have to remove engine mount or head.
These are the tools I used:
Position the plug in just so it does not fall off (and if it does, it will sit on the chain, just pick up using the magnet.)
Then put in a bearing (which just fits into the plug.)
Then position a closed end 21mm wrench on the bearing, and twist the other end with a crescent wrench.
This is almost in but not 100%:
Next to do (tomorrow) for me is to do a pressure test of the cooling system. I did not use red thread locker which could be a mistake.
No leak but sure some sealant would have been better. All good now. Next is to flush the coolant and engine oil.
I don't know why it popped out. Maybe they drilled the hole a tad too big, did not apply the sealant or the tank cap did not release pressure.
all of my freeze plugs gone bad at different times, 2 on the chain side last year, 3 on the top previous year. i was told the culprit was out of spec coolant. i cannot find mini labeled coolant at where i live, so i use shell instead, it's probably the wrong one, so i didn't bat an eye. but hearing more and more plugs going bad at local shops. it's probably wider spread problem than anticipated.
Wrong coolant is just an excuse, obviously, unless there is a scientific explanation. Mini just does not want to take the blame. I think they used the wrong "permatex" for some years.
