GeorgeNVA

Hi All

I couldn't easily address the issue, so before I do anything else I'd like to know whether the problem is common or not, and did I do something wrong

The problem is noticeable coolant leak from the freeze plug p/n 11492-50010 (replacement p/n 11492-20010)



I removed it, cleaned both surfaces with sandpaper, resealed and assembled everything. After a while however I noticed the leak again, which is a bit stronger now

The plug itself looked perfectly ok so I didn't even think of buying a new one

My problem seems like exactly the same as described in this thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-engine-2.html
with the only exception that resealing the stuff didn't work for me

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

not common at all but freeze plugs are always a leak risk in every vehicle.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

what kind of RTV are you using? toyota form in place gasket FIPG should work.

GeorgeNVA

I'm using this one
http://www.abro.com/products/automot...s/?product=184

Will try brand new freeze plug along with grey RTV, also will let it stay for 24 hours before filling the coolant.

GeorgeNVA

Success. Here's what I did

1 New plug 11492-20010
2 A skilled mate pointed out that commonly available brands like Abro and Permatex are crap. Used his advice and ordered silicone gasket maker VICTOR REINZ part # 703145300
3 Removed old RTV easily, added a touch of degreaser after that
4 IMPORTANT assembled everything and let it dry for 1 day, though user manual suggests only about 15 minutes

No smallest leaks so far.

dicer

Permatex is not crap. If you use the correct type and it won't have to sit longer than 5 minutes before use and will never leak.

GeorgeNVA

Maybe it's not that crap but anyway I don't like to store a variety of different sealants, while V.R. brand offers just one sort that works in different applications equally well for me.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

glad to hear it worked out for you!

RTVs do vary by brand and function, so it's always important to read the instructions first and use the right product for the job.

GeorgeNVA

timmy0tool , while I'm agreeing on importance of following the manual and choosing the proper type, I must say that both Abro Red and Permatex Ultra Gray are declared as coolant resistant, and are rated to wide enough temperature range. Just like the other RTV I'm using now. User manuals for these 3 types of RTV suggest the same things - sandpaper, degreaser, let dry, apply RTV to one part, assemble the parts together.

So it seems to me like these 3 types are designed to do the same job, but some of them aren't doing it well.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

understood! there are other factors too like ambient temp and torque amount. some products say to apply, wait, then assemble as oppose to just assembling immediately after application. they all "should" work fine but some are more forgiving than others.