Coolant leak from block heater

[ericfromspace8]

I have a 2000 4Runner with a V6. Finally tracked down a slow coolant leak that’s coming from the block heater. It’s on the drivers side of the engine. What size freeze plug can I put in there to stop the leak? Would it be difficult to put one in?
I don’t need a block heater since I live in So Cal.

 

[alumarine]

It might just be the o-ring or it needs tightening.

If it's the o-ring you will have to remove the heater.

You should be able to get a freeze/block plug to replace it.

 

[Kanoe]

Have you had a block heater out before? Try to get an idea of how the tightening screw works before you take it out.

There is a butterfly spreading type of nut on the back that holds it in the block. If you undo the screw too far the nut will drop down into the bowels of the engine. Just be forewarned. (I was able to fish mine out with a magnet thankfully)

Block heaters don't last forever. Eventually the seals start to leak and they need to be replaced.