Hole in the side of the engine = coolant leak ??

[Cotywayne5]

I have a 2001 9-5 SE Saab with the 3.0 6 cylinder. It has recently wound up back in my possession but this time it will not hold coolant whatsoever. The reservoir is empty and while doing a leak test I poured water through the line connecting to the engine just to see it all come out of a small hole on the right side of the engine. It appears as if there something that is supposed to go there. The hole is about an inch in diameter, but I have no clue would it could be. I have also noticed a vacuum hose missing from the throttle body along with a larger hose not connected to anything near the fuse box. As soon as I find out how to post pictures I will.

[Digger]

If it is a nice perfectly round hole with smooth sides, you could have blown a frost plug. Slam a new one in and hope the block is still good.

[Cotywayne5]

That seems like just the thing. After research I understand their purpose. Is this a common thing to happen with plugs?

[Digger]

That seems like just the thing. After research I understand their purpose. Is this a common thing to happen with plugs?

In my part of the country yes, not so much in yours. Then again, it doesn't have to drop to far below freezing if you run straight water.