Radiator leak
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: VA
Don't use any type of "stop leak" product. May seal the leak today, but cause other issues tomorrow. It can gunk up everything in your cooling system.
Have you found where the leak is? Check your water pump. When a water pump is getting ready to go (bearings), it'll weep a little coolant out of it.
Have you found where the leak is? Check your water pump. When a water pump is getting ready to go (bearings), it'll weep a little coolant out of it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
At least years ago Bar's Leak did an impressive job of sealing up most small cooling system leaks and generally doesn't plug anything. I suspect you'll find that even on the bottle it's referred to as a temporary solution. If not, it should be. And the leak will likely reappear at the most inconvenient time and place.
Also, once you are required to repair the issue correctly, the coolant will need to be properly discarded, the system flushed, and fresh coolant installed.
-Rod
Also, once you are required to repair the issue correctly, the coolant will need to be properly discarded, the system flushed, and fresh coolant installed.
-Rod
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 421
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From: FT. Rucker AL
I wouldnt us any stop leak unless it was an extreme emergency then flush system as soon as you get it home I know several people who has ended up with plugged coolant ports and other issues from that stuff it a quick fix not something that should be long term. A day or so fine. Bite the bullet and get a radiator if you cant afford a new try a junk yard. How do you know for sure its the radiator? I could be from thermostat housing these are known for that problem. Or you could be leaking fluid from the weep hole indicating an issue with the water pump.
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Posting Guru
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From: VA
If you remove the radiator, is the leak in a place where you can solder it to fix it? That may work. If not, I'd just replace the radiator.
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From: FT. Rucker AL
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,100
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From: Southern California
FYI- Even the plastic units are repairable & IMHO should be the 1st option...locate a good radiator repair shop, let them pressure test it, then if repairable, let them clean & rebuild it....the cost is typically less than a replacement and is every bit as good as oem. If you choose not to repair but replace, may I suggest US Radiator....
US Radiator has been around for 40+ years. The guy who presently owns it started working there 30 years ago and with the exception of 1 or 2 items, everything is built at their facility. They are also great to talk with on the phone and if you tell them exactly what you have, what are your concerns or wants, they will tell you exactly what to order. I don’t know of anyone (including the racing community) who has not been pleased with them!
Link: U.S. Radiator | The Difference Is In The Tooling
US Radiator Corporation
4423 District Boulevard
Vernon, California
323-826-0965
US Radiator has been around for 40+ years. The guy who presently owns it started working there 30 years ago and with the exception of 1 or 2 items, everything is built at their facility. They are also great to talk with on the phone and if you tell them exactly what you have, what are your concerns or wants, they will tell you exactly what to order. I don’t know of anyone (including the racing community) who has not been pleased with them!
Link: U.S. Radiator | The Difference Is In The Tooling
US Radiator Corporation
4423 District Boulevard
Vernon, California
323-826-0965
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: FT. Rucker AL
FYI- Even the plastic units are repairable & IMHO should be the 1st option...locate a good radiator repair shop, let them pressure test it, then if repairable, let them clean & rebuild it....the cost is typically less than a replacement and is every bit as good as oem. If you choose not to repair but replace, may I suggest US Radiator....
US Radiator has been around for 40+ years. The guy who presently owns it started working there 30 years ago and with the exception of 1 or 2 items, everything is built at their facility. They are also great to talk with on the phone and if you tell them exactly what you have, what are your concerns or wants, they will tell you exactly what to order. I don’t know of anyone (including the racing community) who has not been pleased with them!
Link: U.S. Radiator | The Difference Is In The Tooling
US Radiator Corporation
4423 District Boulevard
Vernon, California
323-826-0965
US Radiator has been around for 40+ years. The guy who presently owns it started working there 30 years ago and with the exception of 1 or 2 items, everything is built at their facility. They are also great to talk with on the phone and if you tell them exactly what you have, what are your concerns or wants, they will tell you exactly what to order. I don’t know of anyone (including the racing community) who has not been pleased with them!
Link: U.S. Radiator | The Difference Is In The Tooling
US Radiator Corporation
4423 District Boulevard
Vernon, California
323-826-0965
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 608
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It only leaks about a cup's worth in a week, so I'm not pressed to act right away. I'll probably buy new based on ur advice. I'm a one-owner with 200K, buying new is a long term investment. I may even do it myself. Can the radiator slide out while the condenser stays put? 4.0 SOHC. Thx
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: VA
It only leaks about a cup's worth in a week, so I'm not pressed to act right away. I'll probably buy new based on ur advice. I'm a one-owner with 200K, buying new is a long term investment. I may even do it myself. Can the radiator slide out while the condenser stays put? 4.0 SOHC. Thx
Buying new is probably the best option even if it's repairable.
Not completely sure, but I think you can get the radiator out without messing with the condenser.
Good luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,933
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From: VA
Advance sells a radiator for your Explorer for $170: Buy Ready-Rad Radiator 431384 at Advance Auto Parts
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,100
Likes: 380
From: Southern California
Advance sells a radiator for your Explorer for $170: Buy Ready-Rad Radiator 431384 at Advance Auto Parts