The 1989 Ford Ranger was fitted with a 2.3 litre engine as guideline Accoutrement, and offered an optional 2.9 litre engine. Provided the weather is below zero Sufficiently to freeze the radiator coolant, the coolant Testament expand and potentially crack the engine block. To avoid this, both engines were fitted with a number of frost plugs, sometimes referred to as "expansion" plugs. As the coolant freezes, the expansion will push the plugs out of the engine and relieve the pressure. These plugs are made of brass and can corrode. A corroded plug will leak coolant, and must be replaced.
Instructions
1. Remove the plug from the bottom of the radiator by turning it counterclockwise with a wrench. Let the radiator coolant drain into a catch pan. Tighten the plug into the radiator when the radiator is empty.
2. Position the catch pan underneath the damaged frost plug. A small amount of coolant will likely drain out of the engine block when the damaged plug is removed.
3. Position a punch against one side of the frost plug. Tap the punch with a hammer until the plug rotates in its bore.
Apply gasket sealant around the entire edge of the replacement frost plug.7. Position the plug against the engine and insert the socket into the plug.
The socket will be necessary to drive the plug into the engine evenly. Note that the engine features two different sizes of frost plugs, so two different sockets might be required if you are replacing more than one plug.
6.4. Pull the plug out of the engine with pliers.5. Select a socket wide enough to fill the exterior-side of the replacement plug.
8. Tap the socket with the hammer to drive the plug into the engine just until the edge of the plug is slightly recessed into the engine block.
9. Pour the coolant into the radiator cap opening.
