Hello. I need to replace the freeze plugs on my xj 98 sport. I know I need to remove the exhaust/intake manifold but do I need to drain the coolant before removing the plugs? If so, do I drain the radiator and the block, or just the block? Finally, if I just need to drain the block do I drain thru the drain plug; I have not read about someone using this plug (one plug right below the freeze plugs?). I have read some write ups but they don't indicate draining the coolant. I can't help but think that if I remove the freeze plugs it will drain somehow...

Thank you

 

You only need to drain the coolent out of the block. The coolent can be drained by knocking out any of those freeze plugs. Just wear some saftey glasses last thing you want is that green stuff in your eyes!!

 

The coolant will also siphon out of the radiator. Total coolant level will drop until it is below the freeze plug line.

You may not have to remove the manifolds. You can get to the freeze plugs from underneath.

 

Thank you both. Actually the one that is in a bad shape is right behind the exhaust. I can only see it with a mirror. I really don't know how I would replace it without removing the manifold. I want to take advantage to replace them all (not the ones in the back of the engine..) with brass ones.

 

No prob. I had to hard of a time trying to get mine out when I was rebuilding my engine so I let the machine shop just do it. But I know my repair manual said to just take a blunt object and hammer one end of it and they should pop out on one side.

 

I know when I changed out mine one one of my other XJ's and it wasn't that hard except for the one behind the exhaust. But I was still able to do it with out pulling the exhaust. I just used an old screw drive and a hammer. Just punch a hole in the old plugs and pry them out. Like firestorm said just do it from the bottom.