2002 ford focus what to do if engine and radiator freezes

On the side of every engine block, there is a line of circular depressions about 1.5 inches wide & 1/4 inch deep. These are actually holes in the side o

picture is not clear but if it is at the head /block join--most likely from incorrect head stud tension

If you didn't have adequate anti-freeze in the car, it could be damaged as water expands when it freezes. In extreme cases, it can actually split the engine open. To prevent that, they put in "freeze plugs" that are designed to blow out before the engine is damaged. Hopefully that is all that has happened and your freeze plugs can be replaced. However it is possible that the radiator was damaged too.

Hello,

On an engine block there are 'Freeze plugs'. The reason for freeze plugs is to allow for expansion (E.G.--when water freezes it expands). If water does get cold enough or does not have enough antifreeze in the system the water will expand and 'pop' a freeze plug to prevent the engine block or heads from cracking. However--these plugs can fail (not cold related) causing a leak in the cooling system. Thus water circulates through the block and heads to provide cooling (water pump-radiator-heater core). Also--water pumps when they go bad have a hole that 'pops' and leaks to let you know the water pump needs to be replaced. Therefore--Location is key.

I hope this helps.

old post.
This is really a suzuki G16 engine question
thats ok,
The G16s are used on Suzuki's and Trackers
Vitara's , Esteems, no others world wide.

I have all the photos and books on those cars.
real books and all parts lists. on them , graphics tool.
the freeze plugs (core plugs on all over.)
IN 1996 only one engine, G16b.
But all G16 blocks these are the same.
sides on all G16 base blocks.
2 left side 1 above filter, one just to rear of that, they are huge.
have to be blind to miss left side, (left means same as left car door)

the problem here is there are 2 engines in 1995, then one in 1996
the heads on both engine are NOT THE SAME>
the head is 8v and 16valves heads
and the 16v has freeze plugs in the top ,next to the cam. inside under valve cover !!!.

why not say where the leak is so we can narrow the search. or state the JOB?????????

i have photos of all parts in any G16.
there are no freeze plug in any 8valve head.
but the 16v yes !!!
the 16v head small inside plugs, if leaking turn the engine oil to milk chocolate fast and worse of driven. (just undid worst)

the blocks are the same, both engines, not pistons,
there are no front or rear engine block freeze plugs only side plugs 4 total.
and sure the right side under intake man will be hard to see. look under car right side to see em.
2 left easy to see and 2 right harder.
the right engine block has 2 freeze plugs one in easy view center , under intake man.
and one tucked behind that water manifold that can leak too.
now the last plugs
the 16valve head has a front freeze plug behind the cam cog wheel. and none on the rear of the head.
so 1 front and 3 inside, top.
My guess, G16b has 8 plugs total.
G16a has 4.

things that go POP in the night (cold night)
the rear water outlet fitting (head) does explode every time one runs this head on pure water, frozen, ask my how I know that, and what clueless girl did that,, heheheheheheheheh

It may be a leaking frost plug. Some engine blocks have holes needed for the casting of the block or for machining. These are then plugged with cup shaped plugs called frost plugs . These can sometimes corrode and start leaking. Check to see if this is the case and replace plugs if needed. Hope this helps

The head has freeze plug(s) to prevent engine and head from cracking under extreme hot (over-heating) and cold (sub-zero temp).

When the coolant system over-heat,the hose and radiator are the 1st defense.

If the drive keep driving the freeze plug will give out to protect the engine block and head.

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Here are few pictures of freeze plus.

Link HERE

Your motor has several freeze plugs. The freeze plug holes are located usually 3 per side on the block, 2 in the ends of each head and 2 in each end of the block. Determine approximately what location the coolant is running out from, feel around the block for an actual round hole/cavity in the block. They are different sizes. some as small as 1 inch diameter to as large as about 3 inch diameter. Find the cavity that is not filled, as you can stick your finger deep into the block/head.
Then measure this hole. The easiest type relacement plug is called an expansion type. It is like a rubber stopper that you tighten a bolt in the center of it to expand it/tighten it to the full diameter sealing the cavity. Found at most parts stores. They come in a variety of sizes, so you must try to get extremely close to the actual diamerter of the freeze plug hole in the block/head to make it work. Install new plug into hole pushing rubber portion in all the way until the flat metal washer part of the expansion plug contacts the block/head surface. IT MUST be flush or evenly seated in the freeze plug hole/cavity in the block/head. Tighten center nut on new plug to about 25 ft lbs. This will make the rubber part expand and seal into the hole. Refill coolant, check for leaks. In my experience, if you pop one plug, it is usually in the block first and one will be popped on both sides of the block. Feel around BOTH sides of block to verify all 6 plugs are in place! CAUSE>>
This is due to water in the coolant system freezing, due to poor coolant system maintenance. The freeze plugs pop out when the frozen water expands preventing the freezing water from cracking your block.You would be money ahead to drain/flush your system and refill with all new 50/50 antifreeze of the type recommended for your vehicle. NEVER put water in your cooling system! Use only in emergency, fix problem then drain and refill with 50/50 coolant! This will prevent this problem from reoccurring and damaging other cooling system components.

There are only 2 ways water can appear that I know of.
(1) Naturally occurring from combustion while you warm up the engine. It lays in the exhaust until it evaporates with heat or makes its way out little bleed holes in the mufflers.
(2) Air conditioner condensation off the evaporator which is SUPPOSED to drop thru a drain hose to the street. The hose can get plugged and it could leak out higher up maybe.
Your air conditioner works even in cooler temps to dehumidify the windshield(in DEFROST or MIX modes). This resulting water is supposed to drain thru that hose off your heater plenum.
don-ohio

it should have a drain plug on the inner bottom that twist out. If not the bottom rad. hose will be fine to remove. I drain the water, and then run water through it with the hose still off. Replace the plug or hose and put in a cooling system cleaner (prestone) and fill with water. Start the car and let run for until it reaches a normal running temp, keep running for 5 min. urn engine off, let it cool and drain water. I then flush it again with water to remove any rust or gunk left in. I do this until I see good clear water running out. Reinstall your plug or hose and fill with (anti-freeze) be sure to get the right anti-freeze, some take a different color. If you use 50/50, it will take 3-4 to fill or 1 straight anti-freeze with mixture of water until full. Good luck