BCBC
Stock

BCBC MPE-278BR Engine Expansion Plug Kit

Brand BCBC MPE-278BR
Material Brass
Attachment Type Press fit
Attachment Type Screw in
Grade Type Standard replacement
Product line Stock
Fits Ford, Mazda, and Mercury · 58 vehicles

Standard replacement. Built for engine rebuild service with application-specific plug coverage.

Brass construction. Chosen for cooling-system service where corrosion resistance matters.

Made in USA. Melling supplies this kit as a domestic manufacturing option.

Cross-references Pioneer Automotive Industries PE-278-BR, 97-134B and EPK-278-BR for the same application. See all 3.

$22.57Free shipping
In stock · usually ships same day before 1pm CST
Step 1 — Confirm fitment
Free return shipping if it doesn't fit when you check fitment here first.
Select your vehicle to confirm fitment
Verify this part fits before purchasing — free returns if it doesn't
Step 2 — Quantity
Order total $22.57
Free shipping to the continental U.S.
Free returns within 60 days if it doesn't fit when fitment is verified.

Engine Expansion Plug Kit Overview

Melling MPE-278BR is a standard replacement engine expansion plug kit for complete engine rebuilds. It is built with brass plugs and covers the plug requirements for a range of domestic and import applications.

Fits 1990-2003 Ford Ranger, N/A. Fits 1991-2003 Ford Explorer, N/A. Fits 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, N/A. Fits 1990-1997 Ford Aerostar, N/A. Fits 1994-2003 Mazda B4000, N/A. Fits 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo, N/A. Fits 1998-2003 Mercury Mountaineer, N/A.

  • Brass construction for corrosion resistance in cooling-system service.
  • Standard replacement design for engine rebuild and block service.
  • Includes expansion/freeze plugs and pipe plugs for the listed application.
  • Press-fit and screw-in attachment types are represented in the kit application.

Detailed Application Notes

This Melling expansion plug kit is organized to simplify engine assembly by supplying the plugs needed for the specified application. The MPE-278BR part number is associated with a brass kit configuration, and the MPE-278BR reference is useful when matching rebuild parts for Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, and Mazda B4000 applications.

Common Repair Uses

  • Replacing corroded or leaking engine freeze plugs.
  • Completing a cylinder block rebuild with correct plug coverage.
  • Restoring cooling-system sealing at plug openings.
  • Matching mixed press-fit and screw-in plug requirements during assembly.

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the engine application before installation and confirm whether the block uses press-fit or screw-in plug locations. Clean the bore and sealing surfaces thoroughly before installing each plug, and follow the engine builder’s torque and sealing procedures where applicable.

Quality Assurance

Melling states this kit is made in the USA and supplies standard replacement coverage for the listed engine applications. The brass material selection supports cooling-system service where corrosion resistance is a priority.

This part fits 58 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelLitersCylindersNotes
2003FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
2003FordExplorer Sport Trac4.0LV6Stock
2003FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
2003MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
2003MercuryMountaineer4.0LV6Stock
2002FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
2002FordExplorer Sport Trac4.0LV6Stock
2002FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
2002MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
2002MercuryMountaineer4.0LV6Stock
2001FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
2001FordExplorer Sport Trac4.0LV6Stock
2001FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
2001MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
2001MercuryMountaineer4.0LV6Stock
2000FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
2000FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
2000MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
2000MercuryMountaineer4.0LV6Stock
1999FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1999FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1999MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
1999MercuryMountaineer4.0LV6Stock
1998FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1998FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1998MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
1998MercuryMountaineer4.0LV6Stock
1997FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1997FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1997FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1997MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
1996FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1996FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1996FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1996MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
1995FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1995FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1995FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1995MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
1994FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1994FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1994FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1994MazdaB40004.0LV6Stock
1994MazdaNavajo4.0LV6Stock
1993FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1993FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1993FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1993MazdaNavajo4.0LV6Stock
1992FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1992FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1992FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1992MazdaNavajo4.0LV6Stock
1991FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1991FordExplorer4.0LV6Stock
1991FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
1991MazdaNavajo4.0LV6Stock
1990FordAerostar4.0LV6Stock
1990FordRanger4.0LV6Stock
Directly replaces or cross-references 3 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
Pioneer Automotive Industries — PE-278-BR97-134BEPK-278-BR