I have the infamous radiator leak on my 2008 F250 with 81,000 miles. It's been dripping for roughly two months now. No big deal considering that I would add 50/50 radiator coolant fluid every 3-4 days. I researched many forums and know all about ford not covering replacing the radiator after 36,000 mile/ 3years....which is a bunch of BS. Anyways, my question is...... I added Bars Leaks radiator stop leak and the leak did stop going on 2 weeks now. However, my coolant and oil temperature went from 198 degrees to 203 degrees. The temperature does not exceed 203 degrees, thank God. Should I be worried or is this rise in temperature to be expected? I monitor the temperature through my H&S mini maxx. I was very hesitant to add the additive but at this point it is what it is. Any advise would be appreciated...thanks.

 

I would keep any eye on it, when/if you replace the radiator I would do a extremely good flush and replace the thermostat.

 

Probably not a good idea to use Bars Leak as it can plug things up you don't want plugged. The discussions about the radiators is heavy in the 6.4 forum as you are probably aware. Replace the radiator and the two thermostats with a good flush is probably your only answer to fixing the problem. I only go over 200 degrees when I am towing up hills. Normal traffic patterns I am usually hovering at 196.

 

Any idea on what the temperature should not exceed on both the oil and coolant?

 

Mine both run at about 196 during normal operation. the fan kicks on I think at 205 but I have seen my coolant temp rise to 215 when I am towing up the pass with a heavy load. I have to believe that both oil and coolant will be about the same temperature or close to it. As long as your cap is good, the coolant wont start to boil until around 260 degrees but I would not want to see temps go anywhere near that high for obvious reasons.

 

Moved to the 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel forum.

 

194 is about where it should be on normal level ground non towing operations. Fan will kick on at approx 220F

You need to flush and clean asap. I would almost recommend pulling and replacing the thermostats because of the bars.

Vista pro makes an aftermarket radiator.

 

When you put the bar leak, where exactly did you pour it into? In other words, did you put bar leak straight in the D gas bottle? I have a 08 f-250 and the actual radiator does not have a radiator cap.

 

Don't use stop leak on a 6.4. Causes expensive problems.

 

what do you recommend? And also, do you put the additive into the d gas bottle?

 

If you ever see the inside of the oil cooler you wouldn't ever put any kind of stop leak into the cooling system. My advice is to flush the whole system and hopefully you can get it out of the oil cooler. If not it's a 17 hour job to change it. The longer you drive it with the stop leak in the system the more the cooler will plug. You have to get it out now.

Edit to add: I just discovered this is a 9 year old thread. How do these manage to be brought back from the dead?

 

FE, LOL

I always grab the dates first before replying. Happens alot in here.

Maybe he still hasn't figured it out yet...........LOL

Denny

 

NO NO NO, do not use anything other than the approved coolant or approved distilled water.

Fix the leak darn it.

 

Senix,


The thread is dead brother.

Denny