Question water leaking from the side by the blowout plug

[1997F350]

Hi, all. I'm new here, but a forum veteran. Trust me, I searched this one before asking so please be gentle if my search didn't turn up an answer and it's out there in the forum somewhere.

I'm truck hunting and have located a 1997 F350 (hence the username) Dually w/ the 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Diesel.

The owner states, "Truck runs great but has water leaking from the side by the blowout plug."

Is this a deal breaker? Is it something that MUST be fixed? If I buy it and don't fix it will I cause more damage to the truck? Is it an easy fix?

Sorry for the newb questions. This would be my first diesel and I just want to make sure I'm not getting in over my head.

Thanks.

 

[BIG JOE]

Blowout Plug... Hmmmmm

If thats the same as a Freeze Plug.. it's not hard to fix. But the question would be... Why. Lotsa miles ? Cooling system in good shape/clean ? Waterpump okay ?

 

[1997F350]

225k miles.
Truck is red with gray interior.
Truck is absolutely mint "no rust" with a new water pump, air pump, alternator, new michelin tires in the rear & goodyear in the front.

 

[1997F350]

This link...

AUTO,TRUCK FREEZE PLUG, CAR COOLING SYSTEM REPAIRS BY ECONOMECHANIX

Leads me to believe you might have pinpointed it. Doesn't sound too bad. I just might have to get this one.

 

[DaveBen]

What does the coolant look like? Rusted?? If it is rusted, I would walk away.

Dave

 

[1997F350]

What does the coolant look like? Rusted?? If it is rusted, I would walk away.

Dave

I haven't seen the truck in person yet. He's going to show it to a possible buyer tomorrow and if they don't buy it, then he's gonna show it to me.

Just to be sure, you're just saying to open up the radiator and check the coolant out, right? You're not talking about the water/coolant coming from the blowout plug, right?

 

[DaveBen]

I am saying to check the coolant in the radiator. Good luck.

Dave