Radiator barely leaking...leave alone?
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Radiator barely leaking...leave alone?
I bought a 2008 with 6.4L diesel (105K miles) back in May 2012 and was aware that the radiator was "weeping" fluid on the lower drivers side when I bought it. I have driven the truck short distances around home for ~1000 miles now and I haven't noticed any coolant puddles sitting on the ground and the overflow reservoir seems to stay around the same volume.
Has anyone just kept driving a truck with a slow leaking radiator until it becomes more serious? If so, how many miles were you able to put on it before the leak becomes more serious? I figure I am at low risk driving short trips around home if I keep a good eye on coolant level, but I sure don't want any catastrophic failures if I am pulling a camper a few states away from home. I have driven a Honda in the past that had a weeping radiator (split at the seams) for 100K miles and never had to replace coolant or the radiator.
Any thoughts on past experience with 6.4 radiators are appreciated.
Has anyone just kept driving a truck with a slow leaking radiator until it becomes more serious? If so, how many miles were you able to put on it before the leak becomes more serious? I figure I am at low risk driving short trips around home if I keep a good eye on coolant level, but I sure don't want any catastrophic failures if I am pulling a camper a few states away from home. I have driven a Honda in the past that had a weeping radiator (split at the seams) for 100K miles and never had to replace coolant or the radiator.
Any thoughts on past experience with 6.4 radiators are appreciated.
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From: Frederick, MD
While you can limp along and check your fluid constantly to maintain the proper level I would be replacing it as soon as possible.
I'd look at vista pro, they make an aftermarket radiator.
Also any chance you can go back to where you bought it and get them to repair it?
I'd look at vista pro, they make an aftermarket radiator.
Also any chance you can go back to where you bought it and get them to repair it?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: SE Wyoming
Yep, a lot cheaper now then waiting for the water pump to cavitate and cost thousands to repair. Coolant is just about the #1 issue on these and can cause a lot of money in damage if not addressed.
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Thanks for the replies.
Senix, great idea, but I bought the truck from a private individual and the radiator issue was negotiated into the cost.
The Vista Pro sounds like a great option when I go to do the repair. Any opinions on the best place to buy one? I saw that radiatorbarn.com and Summit Racing sell them.
Senix, great idea, but I bought the truck from a private individual and the radiator issue was negotiated into the cost.
The Vista Pro sounds like a great option when I go to do the repair. Any opinions on the best place to buy one? I saw that radiatorbarn.com and Summit Racing sell them.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
don't know who you could get the best deal from personally. Remember you will probably need to flush the coolant anyway due to the mileage so you might as well do that.
there is an airlift tool to use so you get all the air out. If I find it I will let you know.
See the link for the article:
http://forddoctorsdts.com/articles/article-11-02.php
there is an airlift tool to use so you get all the air out. If I find it I will let you know.
See the link for the article:
http://forddoctorsdts.com/articles/article-11-02.php
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coolant leak-driver side
been doing a lot of reading... I have a coolant leak, and not sure where it's coming from.. it's not my upper hose, but when I get under the truck, where I see the drips, it's like right under that upper hose connection on the radiator, however, I look a flask like, tried to look for anything and everything, but can't figure it out... any idea, or any other common leaks from that area.. thanks.. I have an extended warranty, but if it's something i can do for less then a 100 bucks, then I'll just do it myself.. not a fan of other people working on my truck... thanks...
ment to post this in a new thread, sorry..
ment to post this in a new thread, sorry..
Last edited by countryboy73703; Feb 14, 2013 at 07:28 PM. Reason: wrong thread
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