67 Cummins Freeze Plug Locations: A Truck Owner’s Guide to Keeping Your Diesel Beast Cool

What’s up, truck fam? If you’re rolling in a Dodge Ram with a 6.7 Cummins under the hood, you already know you’re driving one of the toughest diesel engines out there. But even the mightiest beasts need a little TLC, and today we’re diving into a critical but often overlooked part of your engine: freeze plugs. Specifically, we’re breaking down the 67 Cummins freeze plug locations so you can keep your truck’s cooling system in check and avoid costly headaches.

Freeze plugs might not be the sexiest topic, but trust me, if one of these pops or starts leaking, you’ll wish you’d paid attention sooner. As someone who’s spent plenty of time wrenching on Cummins-powered Rams, I’m here to share the real-world scoop—where these plugs are, what can go wrong, and how to stay ahead of the game. Let’s roll!

What Are Freeze Plugs, Anyway?

Freeze plugs, sometimes called expansion plugs or core plugs, are small metal discs (usually steel or brass) pressed into the engine block and cylinder head. They’re not just there for show—they’ve got two big jobs:

• Sealing casting holes: When the engine block is made, it’s cast with holes for manufacturing. Freeze plugs seal these up to keep coolant inside where it belongs.
• Protecting your engine: If your coolant freezes (say, during a brutal winter or if your antifreeze mix is off), these plugs are designed to pop out, releasing pressure to prevent your engine block from cracking. It’s like a safety valve for your diesel.

For truck owners, especially those hauling heavy loads or living in cold climates, freeze plugs are a big deal. A failure here can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, or worse—engine damage that’ll have you parked in the shop instead of on the road.

The 6.7 Cummins Engine: A Diesel Legend

Before we get to the nitty-gritty of freeze plug locations, let’s give a shout-out to the 6.7 Cummins. This inline-six diesel engine, introduced in 2007 for Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, is a workhorse. With 350-400 horsepower and torque that can tow a house (okay, maybe not that much), it’s no wonder this engine is a favorite among truck enthusiasts.

You’ll find the 6.7 Cummins in Rams from 2007.5 to 2018, and it’s built for everything from daily driving to heavy-duty towing and aftermarket mods. But all that power means your cooling system has to be on point, and that’s where freeze plugs come in.

Where Are the Freeze Plugs on a 6.7 Cummins?

Alright, let’s get under the hood (figuratively, for now) and talk about where you’ll find the freeze plugs on your 6.7 Cummins. There are four key areas to know about, and each comes with its own quirks.

Side of the Engine Block

• Location: On the passenger side, you’ll spot three large freeze plugs (about 58mm in diameter) along the block. The driver’s side has smaller plugs (around 10mm) for coolant or oil galleries.
• Accessibility: The passenger-side plugs are relatively easy to get to with a freeze plug remover/installer tool. The driver’s side ones are tighter due to the turbo and other components, so you might need a mirror and some patience.

Rear of the Engine Block

• Location: There’s a single large freeze plug at the back of the block, hidden behind the flywheel.
• Accessibility: This one’s a pain. You’ll likely need to drop the transmission or lift the cab to get to it. If you’re not set up for that, a shop might be your best bet. Pro tip: some guys use aftermarket billet plates here to avoid future issues.

Front of the Engine Block

• Location: You’ll find a freeze plug near the water pump at the front of the block.
• Accessibility: This one’s more accessible but might require removing the fan shroud or other front-end accessories. A good flashlight and a steady hand go a long way.

Cylinder Head

• Location: Smaller freeze plugs (around 10mm) are located at the rear of the cylinder head.
• Accessibility: These are tricky because they’re prone to rusting out, and replacing them without pulling the head can be a challenge. A claw hammer with a socket extension can work as a DIY tool for removal, but take your time to avoid damaging the head.

Real-World Tips for Accessing Freeze Plugs

• Rear Plug: If you’re tackling the rear plug, invest in a long-extension freeze plug installer. It’s a game-changer. Also, consider a billet aluminum plug with an O-ring for extra security—especially if you’re running a high-performance tune.
• Side and Front Plugs: Clean the plug area thoroughly before installation and use Red Loctite or Permatex #2 to ensure a tight seal. A small mirror can help you spot leaks or corrosion in tight spots.
• Head Plugs: If you’re replacing head plugs, check for rust buildup first. Sometimes, a little PB Blaster and a gentle tap can loosen them without a full head removal.

Common Freeze Plug Problems and How to Avoid Them

Freeze plugs are tough, but they’re not invincible. Here’s what can go wrong and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Signs Your Freeze Plugs Are Failing

• Coolant Leaks: Look for wet spots, rust streaks, or puddles under your truck, especially near the block or head. A leaky freeze plug is often the culprit.
• Overheating: If a plug fails, you’ll lose coolant, and your engine will start running hot. Keep an eye on your temp gauge, especially when towing.
• Blowouts in Modded Trucks: If you’ve got a tuned 6.7 Cummins with high boost or RPM, the extra coolant pressure can blow out stock freeze plugs. I’ve seen it happen on trucks pushing 600+ horsepower.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Plugs Solid

Here’s how to keep your freeze plugs—and your Cummins—happy:

• Coolant System Care: Stick to a 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze. Cheap coolant or straight water will corrode your plugs faster than you can say “tow rig.” Also, consider adding a coolant filter to trap debris and extend plug life.
• Regular Inspections: Check your freeze plugs when you’re doing other maintenance, like swapping out the turbo or heat exchanger. High-mileage trucks or ones that sat unused for a while are especially prone to rust.
• Upgrade to Billet Plugs: For peace of mind, especially on the rear and side plugs, go for billet aluminum freeze plugs from brands like CPP Diesel or Keating Machine. They’re tougher than stock and often come with O-rings or T-bar designs for a better seal.
• Installation Know-How: When installing new plugs, make sure the seating surface is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer of Red Loctite and tap the plug in evenly with a freeze plug installer. If you’re worried about blowouts, some guys add bolt-on plates for extra security.

Comparison: Stock vs. Billet Freeze Plugs

Why This Matters for Your Truck

If you’re using your 6.7 Cummins for towing, off-roading, or just showing off at the local truck meet, a healthy cooling system is non-negotiable. I’ve seen guys limp into the shop with overheated engines because a $5 freeze plug rusted out. Compare that to, say, a Ford Power Stroke, where freeze plug issues are less common but harder to access due to tighter engine bays. The Cummins gives you a bit more room to work, but you’ve still got to know what you’re doing.

One thing the owner’s manual won’t tell you? If you’re running a high-performance tune or towing in hot weather, check those freeze plugs before you hit the road. A little prevention now can save you thousands in repairs later.

Conclusion

There you go, folks—everything you need to know about 67 Cummins freeze plug locations and how to keep them from ruining your day. To recap:

• Freeze plugs are your engine’s unsung heroes, sealing casting holes and protecting against freeze damage.
• On the 6.7 Cummins, they’re located on the side, rear, and front of the block, plus the cylinder head.
• Regular coolant maintenance, inspections, and upgrades like billet plugs can keep your truck running cool and strong.

As a truck guy who’s been there, I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay proactive. Next time you’re wrenching on your Ram, take a peek at those freeze plugs. Swap out that coolant, maybe toss in a billet plug or two, and keep your Cummins ready for whatever you throw at it—whether it’s a cross-country tow or just cruising to the next truck show.

Keep those diesels rumbling, and happy wrenching!