Hypothetically speaking, if a ******* were under the hood of his truck and happened to snap off the nipple that connects to the radiator overflow tank from the RADIATOR, is that a complete radiator replacement?

 

I hate to say it, but yes I think so. Unless you can tap it with a pipe tap, and thread in a nipple fitting. Might Not the easiest task into a plastic tanK

 

Thanks Dave, that is kind of what it looked like to me as well, I was just hoping... sounds expensive now...

 

If there is a radiator shop in town, they might be able to swap out just the one tank, but I'm not too sure how that works with the plastic tanks.

 

I just replaced mine, $460 for radiator 2 hours labor at Ford dealer, you may do better elsewhere.

 

If I am doing this and have to replace the radiator, is there any reason to look for an upgrade or anything better than just the stock one?

 

I did this... Tried to drill and tap, tried JB Weld, ended up buying a new one. They are easy to swap at least.

 

You should be able to pick one up for around $200 online!

 

No need to replace! This happened to me earlier this year.

Fix here:

 

plastic jb weld
that is all im gona say

 

The dorman kit is the best thing to do. Plastic jb weld epoxy is crap and cannot stand up to the constant expanding and contracting that a radiator gets. I've been in the cooling business for over 17 years. The epoxy is a temp fix at best.

Here is a link to an earlier thread, same subject.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13575521

 

Thanks Pridnjoy, I may try this option first. Can't hurt if the only other option is to replace it anyways.

 

Looks like a good repair! Stupid plastic end tanks

 

I agree, or they should have made that part replaceable from the get go...