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  #1  
Old 04-29-2016, 04:07 PM
ellis5293 ellis5293 is offline
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Default 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Bought a 97 ford ranger 4.0 with either a cracked head or head gaskets blowed. Mechanic said it had signs of a cracked head. Mechanic also said something about freeze plugs might be froze up? Because it's sit a couple months? Needing suggestions. Saw somewhere on a forum where u can change just the freeze plugs around the cylinder heads? I'm not totally sure what to do. Maybe a new motor? Any suggestions??
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Old 04-29-2016, 06:14 PM
Mike69 Mike69 is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

What is the problem you are having with the truck?. Has the engine been overheated, what does the coolant look like?
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69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
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Old 04-29-2016, 07:13 PM
ellis5293 ellis5293 is offline
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I'm not exactly sure. I told my uncle I wanted to buy it because he said it had a cracked head. And he had it hauled to the garage and that's what the mechanic said? I've looked at the truck but never checked anything. But normal stuff. I haven't payed for the truck yet. My uncle said see what it needed and see if I really wanted it? But I really want it. Just don't really wanna go through the trouble finding a motor. Would rather get the heads fixed. And change the freeze plugs at the cylinder heads.
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Old 04-29-2016, 07:28 PM
svtwin73 svtwin73 is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Did he take the head off and look to see if it was cracked or is just guessing because he probably isn't getting paid?
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Old 04-30-2016, 05:28 AM
Mike69 Mike69 is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Pull all the spark plugs & do a compression test, pressure test the cooling system & see if it looses pressure. My 00 Ranger 4.0 every month or 2 would foul the spark plug in #4 cyl (drivers side front). I finally pulled the heads & there was a crack between the 2 valves for the #4 cyl in the drivers side head, & the #3 cyl (pass side rear) in the pass side head. I replaced the heads with NEW ones NOT rebuilt. I have put on about 600 since replacing the heads. What is the mileage on the truck?.
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2000 Ranger Extd Cab XLT, 4X4 Off Road, 4.0L, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, 01 grille & lights swap.
69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
99 Explorer Sport, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, PW, PL, PM, Cruise, Tilt. (Wife's DD)
05 F-150 2WD Regular Cab. ( My DD)

Last edited by Mike69; 04-30-2016 at 05:30 AM.
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Old 04-30-2016, 05:54 AM
ellis5293 ellis5293 is offline
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Mileage is 166k
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Old 04-30-2016, 05:47 PM
cvar cvar is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Yes, do compression test. I'd get a 2nd opinion, and pay a pro for it. You don't wanna screw up this kind of assessment.

A freeze plug is just a circular piece of this metal (aluminum) that covers the hole (approx. 1.5" dia.) that's needed for casting the engine block or head.
There's about a dozen of 'em in your engine, and they typically last forever, but occasionally one of 'em can work loose and leak. They're easy to replace, only if you can readily access their location. Otherwise a rubber expansion plug will stop a freeze plug from leaking.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/12...er-advice.html

Here's a video of what a freeze plug looks like, and how to change it yourself.
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Last edited by cvar; 04-30-2016 at 05:51 PM.
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Old 12-25-2019, 12:27 AM
scshepard scshepard is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Hi, any idea what size freeze plug that is? I have a 94 v6 4.0, but my chilton's doesn't say anything about the diameter. The ones I pulled are a fraction of inch smaller than the 1.5 inch all the stores want to sell. So, it doesn't want to go in for beans. Yikes! Any thoughts?
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  #9  
Old 12-25-2019, 04:11 PM
Mike69 Mike69 is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Steve, take one of the old freeze plugs to your local Ford dealer they should be able to get you the right size one.
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2000 Ranger Extd Cab XLT, 4X4 Off Road, 4.0L, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, 01 grille & lights swap.
69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
99 Explorer Sport, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, PW, PL, PM, Cruise, Tilt. (Wife's DD)
05 F-150 2WD Regular Cab. ( My DD)
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Old 12-25-2019, 10:18 PM
scshepard scshepard is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

Thank you! Hopefully the dealer (and parts!) will be open Thursday; so I'm not completely crazy??
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Old 12-26-2019, 12:08 PM
scshepard scshepard is offline
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Default Re: 97 4.0 cracked head? Freeze plugs? HELP!!!

And, just back from the local Ford dealer; their specs call for a 1 1/2 inch, BUT the original was 38mm. Picked up from Rebbies 8 38 mm steel freeze plugs. First test shows a snug fit. Gulp! Off to the horses, but will try later today....

Thanks all for the help!
Steve
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