Huge Radiator Leak

[sledgehammer1990]

Any ideas? It just started happening these past few days. I drive for even 10 minutes. I get out and withing just a few minutes, there is a puddle of fluid on the ground. I pulled in at my house today and it was still coming out. I took a quick glance underneath and it seemed to be coming from if not, around the steel sleeved hose in the front. Is there any way to fix this?

 

[burgundy1994xlt]

Either have it pressure tested and go from their or buy a new one and install it. A pretty easy job really, just did mine on my '94 xlt and I think it took me like two hours. Longest part of the job is draining the coolant out. New one cost me 125.00 or so. Could have gotten a cheaper one but I went with the mid priced one.

Good luck and keep us posted on what the problem ends up being.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

Hmm, Thats just money I don't have right now. Any ideas where I could get it pressure tested?

 

[jd4242]

here is one for $60 to your door
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0392093616&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[sledgehammer1990]

Thanks, but is it for a 5 speed? The automatic and 5 speed use different radiators I thought.

 

[jd4242]

no that one is for an auto and yes they do use different ones

 

[geoph1986]

AFAIK, the only difference between the auto, and manual rad is the auto trans cooler. You can use the auto rad for a manual trans, but not the other way around (you risk overheating your auto trans). A cheap temporary/permanent fix is to get one from the wrecking yard. A quick way to tell if the rad will be less likely to leak is to look at the epoxy at the rad headers. If it is cracked or flaking move on to the next donor. You can get the rad pressure tested at any radiator service center, or you can do it yourself. To do it yourself, drain the rad of all fluid, cap all openings, pressurize with air to a regulated, constant 18lbs. Place rad in tub of water and look for bubbles.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

I had an accident around December and had to get the front end replaced from a donor. They had to get a manual trans radiator because something about it having an outlet hose in a different position. I will check it out and see what I can do about it.

 

[jd4242]

do you have an auto or 5 speed?

 

[sledgehammer1990]

I have a 5 speed. The front end that I got off of another explorer was an automatic. They had to get the radiator from another vehicle.

 

[jd4242]

I have a 5 speed. The front end that I got off of another explorer was an automatic. They had to get the radiator from another vehicle.

o they sell 5speed ones also I think they are even cheaper
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[Ford_Racing_Guy]

i don't know how cost effective it is to remove it and have it repaired but many do repair them.

usually its the plastic tanks on each side where the meet the cores the gasket deteriotes and begins leaking.

probably worth more your time to just replace it and be done with it.

check around online and stuff.

rockauto.com is a pretty decent place i buy a lot of parts through there for good prices.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

well i was bored and i looked it up on rockauto.


they had new radiators starting at about 70 bucks brand new and then whatever you have to pay for shipping, just check it over good and make sure thats what is it for sure before you do so, never know it could be something simple.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

OK, how long will I be able to drive before I have to get it fixed? I am talking about little driving time to and from work. About 10 minutes. I guess I would have to get it fixed before July 4th weekend when I drive to my mountain house 4 hours and 30M minutes away.

 

[ifergusson]

About 4 years ago mine was leaking from in between the end tank and the core.I took some stuff called "Automotive Goop" and covered the area where it was leaking as a temporary fix but I never did get around to replacing the rad and it is still holding.I think the reason it works is that "Goop" starts out looking like silicone but ends up like a hard rubber so it can flex a bit as the rad expands while still sealing.My local wrecker only charges $25 for rads and often you can find ones that have been replaced and are next to new so check what your local wreckers want.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

Few... I got home from work today, 10 minute drive, and I parked in the street so I wouldn't get coolant all over the newly paved driveway. I stepped out and it was basically draining out of the front end with steam billowing out.

My dad walked up and I popped the hood with him to check it out. My engine compartment was covered in coolant. Turns out, the bottom hose with steel abrasive around it was rubbing against the bottom pulley. It ate a whole right through the tube and coolant was spraying out. He gave me some hose that didn't fit the jeep we are rebuilding and I will replace the hose probably Saturday. At least most of the coolant is already drained out. Where exactly do I drain it from?

 

[fixxxer]

There is a drain petcock on the bottom of the radiator.

 

[geoph1986]

There is a drain petcock on the bottom of the radiator.

Be careful with those, they are just plastic with an o-ring. Sometimes the petcock is brittle & breaks, or the o-ring is old and leaks after it has been moved. If the system is pretty well empty, you can also just pull the lower rad hose and catch everything in a bucket.