Pressure test reveals leak at Freeze plug....options?
 

So I had the pressure test done today and the diagnosis was a freeze plug.

The mechanic said it basically entails a head gasket job and the cost would be 1300-1500.

What are my options?

I am assuming the hope that the BG universal sealant works , won't work to seal a freeze plug?

If I do decide for an indie shop to fix this what should I make sure gets done on a job like this?

BG may work, core plugs have to deal with coolant system pressure, not head pressure. Here's some info from the RAVE:


2.

No head gaskets should not need to be done to do this job, all he needs to do it remove the bad freeze plug and install a new one.

How would you remove a freeze plug? They look press fit in. Would packing the area around the rim of the plug with Epoxy or automotive JB Weld work? Maybe some K-Seal

They are pressed in but they are replaceable.
I have never done it, from what I have heard you drill a hole in the middle, stick in pliers and pull/rip it out.
Totally bugger it up, then you put the new one in.

Bet those ones on the back of the block are "fun".....

Oh yeah I can imagine...... Wonder if you can even access them without pulling the block out? Might be easier just to take the engine out to do it. Unbolting from tranny and undoing the wiring and its 4 mounts....

It is on the back of the block...does this make a difference?

He said it was a 12 hour job.

How do you drill out/pull out and replace a freeze plug that is on the back of the block without tearing apart the engine?

That BG or Kseal is looking better and better. Head gaskets can leak out the back, quite common, because the water channels are there and gasket is narrow at that spot.

all you have to do is catch one side of the freeze plug with a screw driver or punch and give it a wack, it will spin.
Half way in the block, half out of the block, (kind of like a revolving door works)then grap it with a pair of pliers and wiggle it out sideways.
Make sure the hole is clean. put a little sealer on the new plug and tap the new one in, they even make rubber replacement freeze plugs that slide into the hole and you tighten them with a nut in the center.
but you should only use those if there is no other way to get the new one in.
for the back of the block remove the motor mounts and let the motor sit on a floor jack, as you lower the jack the block will pull away from the fire wall gaining you access.
Freeze plugs can be trying but are not complicated at all,
send an afternoon and you can save the $1300-$1500, the freeze plug is about $5.