I have a 96 Blazer LT with the 4.3L and 4wd 4dr. After driving it yesterday, I noticed that coolant was heavily dripping from somewhere above the oil pan. I see absolutely no hose issues and can't imagine anything but a LIM or head gasket problem. With the blazer off, when I pour fluid into the radiator, it drips right back out. I called a friend of mine that teaches automotive repair at the local community college and they can't get it in until January. He said that, in his experience, it is usually a freeze plug on the block.

After reading a post from RandyJ and another from felonyblazer96; I would say that it most likely is a freeze plug issue. Does anyone know specifically where this freeze plug is on the block and how do you replace a freeze plug? The packages of plugs they have at Advance don't give any instructions.

 

One more question, Does anyone know the diameter of the freeze plug that sits by the starter? 1.625"?

 

the way i replace freeze plugs is to get in there with a air hammer and smash it into the block, grab a magnet and pull the corner of it sticking out the hole then grab it with pliers and pull it out, basically to install it you just have to tap it in there, which is way easier said then done, cause there is never any room in there. usually at work we get them out then send it with the parts people to match it up, sometimes you can get lucky and the size will be written on it but usually they are so rotted that you cant.

but confirm for sure that its the freeze plug that is leaking, could be a heatercore line or intake

 

 

I want to say its the water pump. Its fairly common for a bearing or seal to go bad internally and have coolant leak out the weep hole. Same thing happened to me. If it is the water pump, then when you pour fluid in you should be able to look down where the water pump attaches and see if it looks wet. You kind of have to look at it from a few different angles with a flashlight to see it.