Exploding radiator - No, really - EXPLODED
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Sorry, trying to get advice/opinions from as Ford guys as possible, as quickly as possible. Annoying how there is not a more general area for this. Site is divided into so many subgroups that I thought I ought to hit a few.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
More Turbo
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 3
From: San Antonio
I flushed my 64 with Prestone radiator flush. It broke so much corrosion free that the overflow got stopped up. When the cap tried to release the pressure it had no where to go. Fortunately my top reservoir only ballooned out before I figured out what was going on.
I hope no one was injured.
I hope no one was injured.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 4
From: Mddl A MexCans
WHHOOAAWWW! That is a crazy image! New radiator & cap. Since your putting in a good radiator. I would spend a few bucks on freeze plugs, pop the old ones out, remove thermostat housing and flush the block with a hose from every angle possible.
I'd contact prestone or ? and see if they want to buy the image LOL!!
I'd contact prestone or ? and see if they want to buy the image LOL!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 4
From: Cupertino
The compression numbers that you have posted are not alarming for a tired engine. The difference between the two cylinders does not mean a blown head gasket. Your compression numbers are even. That says okay to me.
Do you see any water on the dipstick?
Do you see any oil contamintion in the overflow tank?
Do you see any balooning of the hoses?
If the answer to all three is no, your problem is a lousy solder job on the tank or just plain old age. Replace the radiator and cap and the old girl will run for another ten years.
Semper Fi
Do you see any water on the dipstick?
Do you see any oil contamintion in the overflow tank?
Do you see any balooning of the hoses?
If the answer to all three is no, your problem is a lousy solder job on the tank or just plain old age. Replace the radiator and cap and the old girl will run for another ten years.
Semper Fi
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 9
From: Western Washington
I'm glad no-one was standing over it when it blew!
Here's my theory as to what happened: First the cap stuck and wasn't venting pressure, then the truck began to overheat. Since the system was still pressurized, the water didn't boil, it just kept building more pressure, then the top seam in the radiator blows out. The system is no longer pressurized, so all that water that is above the boiling point flashes into steam, and BOOM!
Basically just like a boiler explosion on a locomotive or a powerplant, just not nearly as bad.
Sam
Here's my theory as to what happened: First the cap stuck and wasn't venting pressure, then the truck began to overheat. Since the system was still pressurized, the water didn't boil, it just kept building more pressure, then the top seam in the radiator blows out. The system is no longer pressurized, so all that water that is above the boiling point flashes into steam, and BOOM!
Basically just like a boiler explosion on a locomotive or a powerplant, just not nearly as bad.
Sam
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,877
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From: Tennessee
I'm glad no-one was standing over it when it blew!
Here's my theory as to what happened: First the cap stuck and wasn't venting pressure, then the truck began to overheat. Since the system was still pressurized, the water didn't boil, it just kept building more pressure, then the top seam in the radiator blows out. The system is no longer pressurized, so all that water that is above the boiling point flashes into steam, and BOOM!
Basically just like a boiler explosion on a locomotive or a powerplant, just not nearly as bad.
Sam
Here's my theory as to what happened: First the cap stuck and wasn't venting pressure, then the truck began to overheat. Since the system was still pressurized, the water didn't boil, it just kept building more pressure, then the top seam in the radiator blows out. The system is no longer pressurized, so all that water that is above the boiling point flashes into steam, and BOOM!
Basically just like a boiler explosion on a locomotive or a powerplant, just not nearly as bad.
Sam
At least mine was not as bad as this one . My rad was fixable .
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