Replace radiator?

[juggar]

Drove my explorer to work, randomly looked out the window and see this:

A pretty steady drip like youd imagine from a dripping faucet, truck had been parked less than 5 mins so it might have been worse, lots of coolant all over the CV axle boot area too so it was leaking when driving. reservoir was empty. This is on the drivers side, original radiator I think. Truck had been on some very bumpy trails a few days prior. Truck was not overheating and made it home, but I had heat on full blast just in case.

Gonna let the shop look at it as I dont deal with cooling system issues. I do buy my own parts though since I usually can get them 25-50% cheaper.

Should I just go ahead and buy a new radiator? $84 for one that seems to be same thickness(2 1/4th inch) as stock one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251375164455?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Same thing happened with my '01 Sport Trac not long ago. Drove to work, went back out a few minutes later to see a puddle. The plastic tank on the radiators eventually cracks, so yeah you probably need a new radiator. That's a good price for a new radiator.

 

[koda2000]

Assuming the leak is coming from the radiator and not the water pump, thermostat housing, or a hose, yes you need a new radiator.

 

[juggar]

Thanks guys, I picked up the radiator for $80 since ebay has a $20 off 100 coupon for automotive parts.

Figure it lasted 18 years I cant be too angry with it!

 

[beach]

V6 or V8? 6s are easy apparently to do yourself..... my experience with the v8 made me want to murder someone at Ford lol

 

[juggar]

V6 or V8? 6s are easy apparently to do yourself..... my experience with the v8 made me want to murder someone at Ford lol

V8, I looked into doing it myself and decided against it. The guy at my local shop used to work for a Ford dealer during the late 90's and early 2000's so he knows all about these explorers. Its only $60 an hour and I only paid $80 for the radiator so I figure ill let them do it.

 

[koda2000]

Yeah, the V6 radiators are a cinch to replace. The V8's are a real wrestling match because of the way the A/C condenser is mounted. I've done several V8 radiators myself and it hasn't gotten any easier.

 

[Flash]

At that price there'd be no regret even if it turns out not to be the radiator.
They don't last forever.

 

[drolls]

Took me about 5 hours to do the radiator in my 5.0. That was with a few smoke breaks and some cussing over those damn clips.

 

[juggar]

Got the radiator in awhile back, a pretty major tube connector(on the bottom I think) was broke. Seller sent another, said to just keep the first one.

Just got it back from the shop today, also had them replace the rear shocks with new ones I brought in plus an inspection. $390 bucks at the shop(A/C recharge and coolant needed as well) plus $80 for the radiator and $40 for the shocks. ~$510 total. Hoping the truck will last at least another 3-4 years. They said one rear shock was completely worn out, no pressure inside it, so I'm glad to have that fixed as well.

Now I'm wondering what to do with the extra slightly broke radiator.