My freeze plug failed and leaked all the antifreeze/coolant out of the engine. I was driving my 1999 Dodge 1500 Conversion Van, with 52K miles on the 5.2 Mag. V-8 engine, down the interstate. After driving about 10 miles from town where I had just filled up with unleaded gasoline, the engine started to "ping" like bad gas. Then without warning, smoke started to pour out of the engine and tail pipe. I pulled over and called tow truck. I had the van hauled to the local dealer where I purchased the van and had been receiving service and oil changes. The dealer said "freeze plug had small hole in it, all coolant drained out, need new engine, not covered under any warranty". I have talked with several people about this, and no one that I have spoken with has ever seen this happen on such a new model van with low mileage.
Has anyone else experienced this problem with the 5.2 Magnum V-8?
I just had it happen to me also. 53,000 miles, conversion van, 5.2L engine. I'm hoping I can salvage the engine and trade the thing.
Yes, I have seen this happen several times. The thin steel freeze plugs seem to be inferior. Proper and frequent antifreeze changes can delay or even prevent this problem. I have 2 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cabs. One has 176,000 miles on it and the other 28,000 miles on it. Both have had issues with hoses leaking and the higher mileage Ram has has been through 2 waterpumps in 2 years. I constantly smell antifreeze in both after their warmed up, but have no visible loss of coolant.
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