VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Can I change the freeze plug on the back of block (216) behind flywheel without engine removal?

I’ve just finished off restoring my 38 Master Deluxe ready for the road. After refilling with antifreeze and running up to temperature I found water dripping down from the bell housing. After removing the bottom inspection cover, it looks to be coming from behind the flywheel and suspect the freeze plug has a corrosion hole in it and leaking out. Can I replace this without removing the engine? What is required? Thanks

Yes, remove the starter,. transmission, flywheel, and bellhousing to access the plug. Don't forget to support the rear of the engine

you will need to remove the engine or gearbox/bellhousing as that plug is partly covered by the bell housing.
Tony

Thank you for your reply. I’ve decided to do it like you described. I’ve removed the starter motor, Removed the starter bar on top of bell housing and released the drive shaft cover at the back of gearbox. How do I take the drive shaft away from the gearbox? Do I need to remove the parking brake mechanics?

Having removed the UJ cover at the back of the gearbox, do I just slacken off the ring nut on the shaft and slide the cover backwards away from the joint? Then just split the joint and allow drive shaft to move down?

Yes, split the "U" joint so you can remove the tranny. Repair manual shows how.