Block Heater Install and Freeze Plug Removal (or lackthereof)

I just installed a block heater on my 97' 2.7L 4 Cylinder. It all went well as I was already due for an antifreeze swap, except for the freeze plug removal. Unless you plan on removing the engine or a significant number of parts, my advice is to get a nice oil pan warmer. The freeze plug removal may look like an easy feat on youtube but it is not. I watched a youtube video and they made it look easy, hit it on one side and grap the cockeyed plug out. So I found the plug I was supposed to remove per toyotas instructions, 2nd plug from drivers seat on the driver side. I hillbillied an extension with a flathead on the end and got a hammer. My lucky self smacked it a few times and it didnt budge. so what do I do? I give it a good swing and smack the thing and the hole plug falls in the block. 8 hours later im sitting here arm deep with needle nose locking pliers not making any progress. I tried cutting it with a dremel(I wussed out of this idea because I didnt want to hit the block and make my position worse), heating it with a torch, muscle-manning it, and tin snips.(and more hillbilly ideas not listed) Without the ablility to get leverage, I said screw it pushed the plug to the side(in the block) and threw my $90 Block Heater (Toyota OEM) in the hole and refilled the coolant.
Truck seems to be running fine. Im watching my temps closely.

One last thing, just because you drained the radiator and overflow does not mean there is no coolant left in the block. When you hit your Freeze plug into the block there will be a waterfall of coolant onto your garage floor (I found out, the hard way) made even better by the fact that it hit my skid plate so it came from every hole/edge. Also you dont necessarily want your dainty girlfriend watching you spill coolant everywhere I found out, that hard way.(Im still mopping because our dog likes to lick everything and shes worried)

Yours truly,



Worlds finest YouTube Mechanic

 

Ian; just curious; where do you live that you need a block heater? I don't even use my block heater on my diesel truck when it was -25 here in Michigan.

 

Montana, last winter my truck failed to start several times so I threw one in there. It was negative for like 3 weeks(or more) last year and I think this winter may be just as bad. Like I said in my post though, hindsight I would just get an oil pan warmer.

I understand as well that it helps with wear and tear and I also do snow removal so I'm up at 4am or earlier and that's when it's coldest.