freeze plugs
 

how do i get the freeze plugs out on a 97 4.2 so that i can put new in. it looks like there is one right behind the motor mount

Is the old one badly rusted?

I would drill a small diameter hole in the plug and then pry it out with a punch.

I guess you can see the problem though: You need room for the drill, room for the punch (or whatever) and room for your hands.

If you're worried about drilling into the block, don't. There will be a space behind the plug which is why it is there in the first place.

They are not really "freeze plugs" but rather plugs that cover up the holes required to put the sand cores into the block for the water jackets.

there is more than one, but I've always used a flathead and a hammer to punch out the center and pry it out

i cant tell if it is leaking from there or somewhere else but it looks like that is from that freeze plug and i am adding coolant every couple weeks. just about a month or two months it started leaking