2000 Focus Ztec Freeze plug size/part#

[visonik99]

Hello everyone,

I had developed a water leak behind the timing belt tensioner pulley and after following lhc_focus post to remove the components I found as I expected a toothpic sized hole rusted through the freeze plug. I went to Autozone to get a new freeze plug and brought it home to find its too small. Both autozone and Parts express have the same vendors and 1 3/8" as the size for this plug. I need to know what the true size is so I can get my car back on the road. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Anyone looking for a great tutorial to remove the timing belt should follow this link. It was an excellent resource.
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171242

Thank you
Eric

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[Magus2727]

I ran into this problem doing my rebuild. I found a Dorman part. I don't have the part # right now but can get it in the morning. I found it on line, if you buy one is about as much as buying a box of 10. None of the local part shops had it in stock in my case. I have extras. If you want, PM me and I can provide some details. I will post the PN in the morning.

For a fast patch you can try some of the JB weld water putty. You mix it up and should bond even with the presence of water (or anti freeze mixture) in your case. So that could be a patch if you need tour vehicle to move before you can get a new plug.

[amc49]

FYI, once one is gone from corrosion, usually more follow shortly.

[Magus2727]

Found it. I used calipers and the Dorman catalog to find a 39mm plug. Part # 555-121

I have a hand full left. Let me know through a PM and we can make some arrangements.

unfortunately they were not brass like the 1 3/8 plug on the back of the motor. I had to press it in, but have not built my motor enough to see if it leaks or not. I used a bit of POR-15 I had left over to fill around the edge of the block and the plug just for a insurance reasons. I am sure the plug was water tight with out it.

[visonik99]

Thanks for the help guys. You were right on the size. I was able to call my local ford dealership service center when they opened this morning and they were cool enough to give me one. I'm sure I'll have some more questions for my aging focus in the future.

[Magus2727]

you have a good service center then. The one I have used in the past was not able to find ANY thing on it for me. They all were just coming up with the 1 3/8 as the only size. glad you got it to work.

[visonik99]

Well I guess I wouldn't say "a good service center" then. I went to pick up what the mechanic told me was the one only to find he had an 18mm plug. Even after I told him it wasn't that one on the phone. And as you found out they were not able to help me any further. His only suggestion was to go to a bone yard and find one...lol I said sure I'll just go to a bone yard spend 6 hours tearing the engine apart and yank one right out. So I'm heading out tomorrow to see if I can find one. If not I may have to take you up on your offer. Many thanks. I'll probably be getting with you I feel. Have a great weekend.