2001 2.3L - Freeze plug or heater hose leak?

[grayfather]

My sons 2001 ranger (auto) with 130k, overheated the other day. Inspection shows that after filling the coolant reservoir, the engine will leak it all out of the back. Between the engine and the transmission.

I originally thought there must be a heater hose connection there and either the hose has broken off or split open. But now I am reading that it could very well be a freeze plug that has corroded or fell out.

Here is a video of a mercury tracer where the transmission has to be removed to replace the freeze plug:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tF5JrQqNIo&feature=related

Anyone have experience with this job? How much of the trans removal job do you have to do to get at this plug? Is it easier to pull the engine? Any references on how-to links with pics would be appreciated.

 

[Duane867]

Check the head gasket back there as well. Also make sure it isn't the hoses leading to the heater core, by pass valve, EGR coolant hose etc etc etc... or anything like that that could be simply following the path of least resistance back that way because of how the truck is parked or anything.

 

[disciplerocks]

Freeze plugs are in the block and hardly ever fail. I second checking the head gasket. That would fail before the plugs and is probably the problem. Also take out the thermostat and run it again to make sure it didn't fail and build up pressure.

 

[Incinr8]

If its the DOHC There is A rubber hose in the back that could be leaking.