Radiator leaks when its cold?

[Limited Ex]

Just noticed yesterday morning when I went to get in my car, that there was a small puddle of radiator fluid under my Ex. The previous night happened to be the coldest night that we had in awhile. I checked this morning also, and there was yet another small puddle. Does this mean that I have too much water in the radiator? Or what could be the cause? This is the first time in months that it has leaked, and my Ex has not been driven in probably four or five days.

 

[Dre]

radiator needs to be replaced... because winter is fast approching.

Puddle is caused by what it's called "Expansion" (difference in temps - going cold-hot and hot-cold) leaks accur only during expension process... you can still drive like that but sooner or later radiator has to go.... better now instead of later when you're stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night with no coolant...

 

[Bruce Rock]

The radiator on my '94 Ex leaked all last winter. I had planned on changing it when the weather got warmer instead the leaking stopped. Within the last month it's started leaking again.

I had the same problem with my '95 Sable. I took that radiator out and had the head tank re-crimped. So far it's held but I think for the money I should have bought a new lifetime guaranteed one. It was about $30 or $40 to have it re-crimped.

 

[EliteConcept]

yep you got a radiator on its way out

i'd bet if you started it on a cold morning and let it idel for 5 mins it would probably drip like mad.

 

[Joe Dietz]

I have a 4.0 radiator from a 93 automatic for sale. Its only got two seasons on it.

Its a Modin aftermarket. They fixed the problem that Ford had welding plastic to aluminum. That is where most fail.

Send me an email if your interested.

Joe

 

[Rhett]

Last year, I had trouble finding a Modine for a 91-94 truck. I was told they quit making them...

 

[Limited Ex]

Ahh suck, the radiator that is in there is only like 3 years old. The first one cracked right down the side. Is there anywhere I could go and get some info on Modine? A lady that I work with, her husband builds aluminum radiators for Nascar, this might be an excuse to see if he would do one on the side.... But in the meantime, Joe what are you looking to get for it?

 

[slag]

Modine radiators.. darn good radiators, made in Emporia, Kansas.

I had a similar problem and bought a radiator from radiatorbarn.com.

It came quickly and has worked for over a year..

Good looking radiator also.

 

[mosinman]

Radiator leak

Go to a shop and get a radiator pressure test done. This will tell the tale. There is always a chance you have a hose leak or water pump impending failure with coolant coming out the weep hole. The leak test is cheap and may save you from replacing something something that doesn't need to be replaced.

 

[Joe Dietz]

I checked my records...I paid $200 for it back in December 1998. It was in my explorer until I did a v8 swap in Spring 2001.

I have a Lifetime Limited warranty from Modine. I'm not sure if it is transferable. I'll give you all of my paperwork on it.

$75 plus shipping.
Littleton, CO 80123

PS: I called Modine...they are still around.

 

[a1991owner]

Definately A Radiator issue.
<--- Gone through 4 Personally and that was one of the probs.