How much of a job?

Coolant protection can't protect the outside of the freeze plug, they usually rust from the outside in.

Good advice, Shep. Replacing the Welch plug isnt a problem...getting to it is a problem.

And your point on coolant is right on.

Sometimes even if you replace the coolant regularly, you will get corrosion. If the system is leaky, sucks in air upon cooling, etc no corrosion inhibitor package in the world can offset such contamination.

I had a friend who had a leaking plug on an old 60 Chevy Impala in a similar location. He put in some sodium silicate (water glass) and got it to stop leaking for a year or so. It is a lame solution, but sometimes a solution like this can buy you the time you need.

How do you figure that??

All the ones I've had to replace did.

None of the ones I have replaced EVER failed from the outside in. It was alway inside out.

Yup, inside out for me as well.

Count me in - inside out.

Must be due to me living in the rust belt. You don't get the choice to not change your coolant as something rusts out every couple years.