Radiator leak!! fix or replace?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2012
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Radiator leak!! fix or replace?
I have a 87 f-250 with the 6.9 and C-6 tranny. I discovered a small leak up at the top tank near the center. This Radiator is a Modine brand that was new 10 years ago .It has had Prestone green in it and has been drained every copy of years. About two years ago I had a small leak and had it gone through and fixed. Now since I have another leak do you think I should have it fixed or buy a new radiator? Does any one have a brand radiator in mind? And also I've read a little about cavitation and that sounds scary. I would think the motor would be junk if that ever happened. Is this common? I'm the second owner and I really don't know about the maintenance schedule of the previous owner. It had 135,000 when I got it. It has 212,000 on it now and I keep up on all maintenance very well. Which coolant should I put back in it? I've read Prestone isn't the best. The hoses seem fine but I'm going to replace them anyway. Thanks guys..
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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I run peak anti freeze or whatever is cheapest. As far as cavitation goes you can get a coolant filter with SCA's in it or just buy the addative from a local heavy equiptment or truck shop. Tell em you need some coolant addative and they should figure it out. I just picked up another jug from our local John Deere, oh can be had from ford as well, but i forget what they call it.
Now the radiator... me personally i would just get a factory replacement rad. and stick it in there. Is the radiator you have now aluminum? If you were running good old fashion green stuff and not the low silica that could be what is eating your radiator.
Now the radiator... me personally i would just get a factory replacement rad. and stick it in there. Is the radiator you have now aluminum? If you were running good old fashion green stuff and not the low silica that could be what is eating your radiator.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,381
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From: Mi'kma'ki
all depends on how bad it is,how long you plan to keep the truck,and your budget.only you and the repair shop can help you decide if its worth fixing or replacing.
i had mine fixed to get me by until i had time to replace it latter because i have plans to keep the truck for a few years.
as for buying coolant,don't run regular cheap coolant if you plan on keeping the truck/engine.it needs to be low silicate w/ sca's to protect the diesel engine.
http://www.oilburners.net/articles/cavitationartic.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...filtering.html
i had mine fixed to get me by until i had time to replace it latter because i have plans to keep the truck for a few years.
as for buying coolant,don't run regular cheap coolant if you plan on keeping the truck/engine.it needs to be low silicate w/ sca's to protect the diesel engine.
http://www.oilburners.net/articles/cavitationartic.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...filtering.html
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
If you plan on keeping the truck, I'd say go ahead and replace. I've messed around alot with fixing leaks in my rads done by a shop, never holds up for long.
Cavitation isn't very common in 6.9's, but it's a danger in any diesel engine! Run Coolant additives even if it is a 6.9! That goes for any other 6.9 owner out there!
Heres a good read, and understanding Cavitation:
Cavitation Article
Cavitation isn't very common in 6.9's, but it's a danger in any diesel engine! Run Coolant additives even if it is a 6.9! That goes for any other 6.9 owner out there!
Heres a good read, and understanding Cavitation:
Cavitation Article
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2012
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Thanks guys. Lots of good info there!! I plan on keeping the truck. I sure can't afford a new one and I think this engine has a lot of life left. I sure hope so.
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Cross-Country
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I picked up two bottles of VC-8 from the local ford dealer.I also picked up a new thermostat and hoses .Mine aren't that old but since I'll have it apart I might as well. I then found the test strips at a Cummins dealer. I can't find Fleetrite Antifreeze anywhere. I checked the International parts dealer,Napa,Orielly and Pep boys .No luck. What I did find was Peak Long Life Antifreeze. It's green and says Phosphate and Silicate Free. 15 bucks a gal.
1. Is this the right stuff for my 6.9?
The article said low Silicate and I assume no silicate is fine.
How about Phosphate free? Is that ok?
Thanks so much.
my current radiator has a aluminum core. Not sure about the tanks.
1. Is this the right stuff for my 6.9?
The article said low Silicate and I assume no silicate is fine.
How about Phosphate free? Is that ok?
Thanks so much.
my current radiator has a aluminum core. Not sure about the tanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
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From: Western Mass
Fleet Charge is what you were looking for. It already has the SCA's added to it. Tractor supply generally has it in stock if you are near one.
Conventional Antifreeze in Heavy
But, if you picked up VC-8, which is an SCA (supplemental coolant additive), you can add that to normal coolant. I'm not entirely sure how it will work with the Peak antifreeze.
I honestly don't know much about how an aluminum radiator changes things. But if you look at the Fleet Charge website above, it should fill you in on some of the details of newer coolants. If you have an aluminum core, the tanks will either be aluminum or plastic (I'm pretty sure on that).
Conventional Antifreeze in Heavy
But, if you picked up VC-8, which is an SCA (supplemental coolant additive), you can add that to normal coolant. I'm not entirely sure how it will work with the Peak antifreeze.
I honestly don't know much about how an aluminum radiator changes things. But if you look at the Fleet Charge website above, it should fill you in on some of the details of newer coolants. If you have an aluminum core, the tanks will either be aluminum or plastic (I'm pretty sure on that).
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From: Poway, CA
Mike
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