Hi, Im new to the forums.
I live in TX and we just had the freeze of the decade here. I own a 99 3.8L v6 Camaro. Unfortunately I did not have enough anti-freeze in my car and blew a couple of the freeze plugs. (found them laying under the car now that were thawing.

Im not the biggest car person in the world but I know enough. And my father usually does my mechanic work but he is not currently available.

My question is is this going to be something that we are able to repair ourselves? Ive read on many sites that replacing freeze plugs is a piece of cake. But Ive also read some people paying $1500 at a mechanic to replace them. Does the whole engine have to be dropped out? What work would be involved?

How much would you estimate that it would cost to take it to a mechanic?

Thanks in advance!

 

One thing I can say is uh-oh. Those aren't "freeze" or "frost" plugs, although people have been calling them that for decades. They are block casting plugs, to cork up the holes that are formed there in the sand casting process. They aren't put there to save a block from freezing and cracking. A block can still freeze and crack, and they have. After the plugs get replaced, check the whole block closely for cracks/leaks once it gets up to running temperature. Are the plugs that popped within reach to be able to pound new ones in? In addition to the ones on the sides, you want to look to see if you lost the ones under the bellhousing too (between the flywheel and block). If you can't get the clearance to use the pound in types, you can use the rubber expansion plugs.
Not trying to scare you there, just trying to forewarn you that what froze on your block could be more than what meets the eye.

 

yep ive seen a block pushed out on the side with cracks all around and only one soft plug popped. so you did have some antifreeze in it?