[mikester]

So, it's actually my mother in law's Miata. It's a '95 I think but generally speaking a great running car but it looks a little worse for wear. Plus it is an AZ car so it is also kind of 'dried out'. Everything sticks a bit from what I guess is the desert sun just trying every bit of lubricating grease up.

It's at my house now and has been for a few years but I don't really drive it that much.

My main reason is that the radio is broke. The other reason is that it's just a little small with the top up. So typically I'll drive it around town in the summer with the top down. I have had plans to get the radio fixed I just haven't done it.

Well, I went to move it today and afterwards I noticed some greenish liquid on the ground. Crap. Coolant. (I hope it's just a hose, I hope it's just a hose....)

It's not. Looks like the driver's side front freeze plug. I have no idea when the coolant has been changed but obviously not soon enough if it has eaten through the plug.

I have seen various notes on the net that the engine needs to be out to replace the plugs. I can't see that as being totally true based on what I see an know. I know my dad replaced on in our Aerostar back in the '90s and he sure as hell didn't pull that engine...

I recall the cussing under the car...

Anyway - just curious as I know more than a few folks here are Miata fans and might have some thoughts.

Should I attempt to replace it myself (and possibly replace the lot since they are likely all on the road to compromise) or should I spend the money on a mechanic?

Part of me wants to send the car back to my MIL after its fixed. She doesn't stay as long as she used to and probably doesn't need it as much as she did in the past at our house.