Cracked Radiator on 2008 ST

[mooshin]

I discovered a 5" long crack along the top of the radiator. It just feels way too soon to have to replace a radiator. It almost looks like the radiator became pressurized to much. Now it leads me to question the functionality of the radiator cap.

 

[mooshin]

I can see where this is headed.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2006/cooling_system/radiator_leak-3.shtml

 

[GSU4x4]

V6 or V8?

 

[eppd00]

Did you guys happen to notice the 20lb.psi cap? No one can explain why it calls for so much pressure. I am trying a 16lb that the earlier explorers came with and possibly a cooler thermostat. I just picked up a new Mustang GT, it also has a 16lb cap.

 

[mooshin]

I have the 4.0 engine. I also noticed the 20lb cap. That is pretty high based on what my other vehicles have. What would be the pros and cons of getting a lower rated cap?

I'm so sick of the problem and Ford wont cover it even tho there is clearly a problem. Right now my truck sits with a puddle under it. I will enjoy making the truck payment on it this week, such a sweet reminder that it's well worth it.

 

[GSU4x4]

sounds like the 4.0L V6 is the one with the issues, are the V8's having them?

 

[mooshin]

If the problem is more isolated to the V6, I want to find out why. Ford does not seem to be offering much help. I could use some help with the following since my research so far seems to point to the 4.0 and 4.6 liter engine using the same exact radiator.

1. I need someone to remove the two 10mm bolts holding on overflow tank and get the part number of the top of their radiator. I need someone with a V6 and a V8 to do this so we can compare part numbers. Preferably from the 2008 model year if possible.
2. If you own a 4.6 V8, what PSI is your radiator cap? Look at the sticker on it.

 

[eppd00]

The higher pressure cap allows the use of a higher temp. thermostat (emission issues) I got into my manual and the wide open temp for the Gen.2 4.6 thermostat is 212 degrees. The 4.0 is 223 degrees(that is really hot).Both with a 20 pound cap.
I checked my manual for the Gen 1 (2001-2005)temp and the wide open temp was 210 degrees, with a 16 pound cap.
I stopped by the local Ford dealership and asked about the radiator tank cracking issue and there were no TSB's for that ,but they did say there was a computer mod for the fan on the 4.0 because the electronically controlled fan was not cooling them enough. I spoke to my mechanic and asked if I could get by with the 16 lb. cap on my 4.6 with the 2 degree differerence (210-212)and he advised it would work without an issue. I'll watch the overflow tank and see what it does. Hope this info helps.

 

[mooshin]

I have a new radiator on order. I will be changing it all out myself.

 

[eppd00]

The # on my 08 Adrenalin 4.6 is as follows 8L24-8005-AB B473D 0748A

 

[mooshin]

Thanks eppd00. Lets see if we can now get one off the 2008 V6 and V8 (non-adrenaline) models. Looks like Fedex is due to deliver my new KoyoRad radiator on Monday. Funny thing is the KoyoRad company did a press release to announce the release of this radiator in March. Sounds to me like it's highly desired!

 

[eppd00]

I would think the Adrenalin and regular Sport Trac would carry the same radiators. I don't know if the 6 banger calls for a lower capacity radiator than the V8, usually they do. I don't remember if mine has a higher capacity (HD) radiator because of the towing package option, that also used to be the norm when getting the heavier rated tow package, you would get a higher capacity radiator and an oil cooler.
Was the number i supplied you the same as the one on your truck?

 

[mooshin]

The big "6 Banger" probably has the same one as the V8 models, since the radiator is fitted inside the same structural core support on all explorers. I can't confirm part numbers because the entire top of my radiator has a giant crack running through it and is being covered with JB Quick Plastic weld, until my new radiator gets to me.

I will inspect it closer when I yank it out.

 

[eppd00]

What they used to do was use a larger or smaller core in combination with the same plastic tanks (with late model stuff). I still think the big issue is going to be the 20lb cap. The manual was talking about a 20lb maximum test on the system itself, same as the earlier models with 16lb caps. I would think, if the emissions parameters would allow for a slightly cooler thermostat without throwing any codes and a 16lb cap ( as well as the computer recalibrated fan) you would be in good shape as far as any further damage to your cooling system.
I will give you a situation. Back in 84 and 85, the 5.0 Mustangs were blowing seams in the heater cores. The problem was the high flow water pumps and temp. They came up with a restrictor in the heater hose going into the heater core. I used that, a cooler thermostat and a 13 lb cap....no more blow outs... Bad thing was, back in 85 there was only a 12mo./ 12000 mile warranty..... it blew out at 13000 miles. What a mess...

 

[mooshin]

I used the "Engineering Mode" setting posted in the other thread to monitor the coolant temp. The truck constantly runs about 199.4 degrees, but I also have a cracked radiator on top so it can't really build more pressure and increase the heat. I am going to consider the 16lbs cap and give it a trial run. At worst I think it may pump more fluid into the overflow tank than normal. I wont make any change to the thermostat yet.

 

[eppd00]

I agree, give it a try

 

[mooshin]

I dropped the radiator in last night. I have not had a chance to street test it yet. I will post up a review and a few photos tonight.