Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi. Just found out that I need to change the rear freeze plug on my Roadster. How big / bad of job is this. Will I have to pull motor, or can I drop the trans and pull flywheel?

What do you think. Any tips would be very appreciated.

Thomas

Pull the motor....the trans will not move back far enough to remove the clutch.

Also, if one plug is kaput, the others will not be far behind so plan on doing all of them: good insurance

Not the answer I was hoping for

Why do I need to remove the clutch?

You dont. Its sort of a "while its out" thing.
Dan

So if I don’t want totouch the clutch, I could just pull trans back and change frost plug, reinstall trans and done?

"So if I don’t want to touch the clutch, I could just pull trans back and change frost plug, reinstall trans and done?"

While you MIGHT be able to pull the transmission back, fitting it back with engine still installed is more than a PITA, I would argue that it is close to impossible - it's not that easy with the whole thing out.

Pull the engine, replace clutch, pilot bearing, front/rear transmissions seals,throwout bearing, fix freeze plugs and put it all back in.

It's a full day job, but not that hard as long as you have a hoist and leveller and lift points.

And check engine and transmission mounts - while you are there - one of the fun parts of owning a 50 year old vehicle.

If you are dealing with the freeze plug in the rear of the block you will need to remove the clutch and flywheel so you can remove the trans spacer plate that blocks the back of the block. Even if you found a way to move the transmission back, I don't know how you would find the space to work on the freeze plug without pulling the engine. I hope it goes well.



v/r
Buddy

ok thanks. are there 2 freeze plugs at the back of the block? I had thought from looking at a service manual that there was just one.

If just one, is it the lower one that is on the fight side of the block?

T

The top smaller one is on the block water area, the lower larger plug covers the passage for the jack shaft...special plug to cover right behind back jack shaft bearing.

V/r
Buddy

Do you have coolant leaking at the back of the engine specifically visible at the bottom of the trans spacer plate?

Is the clutch slipping?

While you could technically pull the transmission with the engine in the car, and change the plug then put the transmission back in, it is a royal pain in the ass to get things back together and ultimately, will take at least 50% longer than just pulling the engine and transmission as a unit. They come out easily with simple preparation and can be managed way more readily on the garage floor or on a stand. Because if you think that plug is leaking and therefore will come out with a gentle tap... you may be disappointed. I know where there is a local engine stand you could likely borrow...

yes. That is where it is leaking. all other freeze plugs are good. It looks like it pushed out the back freeze plug. The engine and trans have been out of this car not that long ago, and things where rebuilt. My guess is that the rear freeze plug was not put in correctly.

Get your car painted?

T

Also, it look to me that if I slid engine forward about 6 or 8 inches (by removing the rad), I would be able to drop the trans out pretty easy. There are not that many bolts. Take of the trans adapter plate, change freeze plug and reverse steps. Without going to crazy.

I do have it up on my car lift now, and have a cherry picker. Should not be too hard of a job either way.

Sound reasonable?

T

Be sure that you have a means of lowering the transmission. It doesn't weigh that much but it would be an awkward position.