Coolant Leak

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Yeah, get Redline's Water Wetter and follow the ratio aspects on the back. Since you are doing this, why not replace the t stat, use Dexcool coolant (the orange stuff) and not have to do it again for 3-5 years? That's what I did and would do I were you. Should keep it as cool as poss w/o going to lower stat which isn't a good idea unless you reprogram your computer to handle the lower temps.

 

[Triton46]

Already replaced the t-stat, engine had been running cold since Bush...Senior.

I thought redline was just for an intercooler. Do I add it to the radiator fluid?

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Yeah, you can add it anytime. I know some people add Bar's Leak just for the possibilty of leak prevention and the conditioners it has to lube the water pump. Ford's have been known to run cool. And you could always replace your coolant sending unit, a $5 part. That may get it into the proper range again.

 

[pd rd]

You might want to check the freeze plugs on the off chance thats what it was. I was loosing coolant and couldnt figure out why. The thing that lost me was that I didnt see any leaking on the ground. I replaced the hoses and the wp and i noticed that I was still loosing coolant but only when the car was warmed up and had been running for a while. the steel plugs had rusted pretty badly.
so i but in some brass and i havent had any problems.
its worth a quick check. the plugs are usually around 2 dollars.

 

[Triton46]

Where are the freeze plugs located?

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Me too, definitely interested in replacing mine. How difficult to do, how many, etc...

thanks.

 

[oahrens]

Perfect timing!!!

Hello all,

This is exactly the thread I need...This site is great.

I'm having extensive cooling system problems on my 91 also.
Please check this post and reply with ANY suggestions/questions.

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I'm kinda happy about all these probs...It forces my lazy ass to rebuild before the Paragon Run!!!

 

[Rhett]

Oahrens I hope you get all of your mechanical stuff worked out. Rossneag gave you some good info in this and the other thread about it. The cooling system isn't that tough to work on with our trucks, just kinda aggrevating. One time I replaced the hoses, and when I pulled off the stubborn lower radiator hose, there was still some coolant in there that I didn't get out...

<splash> right on my face. Tastes kinda like sweet tea, only it was cold coolant. It was like in the cartoons when the character gets blasted in the face with water. I was say "ppooih" "blah" "puh" trying to spit the stuff out and wipe it away. hehhehe. Even at the time I laughed.

BTW when you pull the radiator fan, you will need the special Ford fan replacement tool. Mine was kind of hard to remove the first time so be prepared. Without the tool it's a big pain.

Just don't get a coolant bath like me. hehe

 

[oahrens]

Thanks for the warning about the coolant bath.

Yeah..the whole cooling system isn't that difficult which is why my lazy ass is gonna replace everything that I take off. From what I've read, the whole system sucks.

I can get any of the dealer/factory tools whenever I need them. (I must have done somthing right)

I guess since I want to replace everything but radiator in the cooling system, my next question is besides the major parts and gaskets....What sensors should be replaced? I've got the Chiltons diagram. This is what I've found..{ TPS, IAT, ECT, IAC valve, freeze plug, HO2's, CTS } What else as far as cooling system?

I will continue with the head/cylinder issues on this thread posted below. Please follow and comment.
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thanks for the help...../////