New Radiator leaking!
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island BC
New Radiator leaking!
Just replaced my rad last year with a Spectra premium... Now this one is leaking at the fitting where the upper trans cooler line goes in... (leaking coolant)
I checked the fitting and the large 1-1/16" brass nut was loose... I snugged it down, but it is still dribbling out just as bad
Anyone know what seals those fittings?
I really don't wanna fork out another $200 for a new rad... But I might just have to...
Was gonna say screw the Chinese Junk... Just phoned ford to get a price from then, but this rad is now obsolete through them...
I checked the fitting and the large 1-1/16" brass nut was loose... I snugged it down, but it is still dribbling out just as bad
Anyone know what seals those fittings?
I really don't wanna fork out another $200 for a new rad... But I might just have to...
Was gonna say screw the Chinese Junk... Just phoned ford to get a price from then, but this rad is now obsolete through them...
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island BC
Of course there was a little tag on the radiator that said, "Warranty Void if this tag is removed" It has fallen off
Possibly... But I just went out and fiddled with it... Took the nut right off, and it looks like there is an O ring between the plastic rad tank, and the brass portion of the internal trans cooler... it was off center, and kinda squished out to ine side, so I straightened everything up, and snugged up the nut again. SEEMS to not be leaking, but I will have to check it tomorrow...
I think its been dribbling when cold for a while... I noticed this week that I could hear a bit of air gurgling in my heater core at startup... The fact the rad was low would be why... Obviously stopped leaking once warmed up or I woulda had some major leakage/steam going on...
Fingers crossed...
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
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I just replaced the old radiator in my 1989 and ended up with a leak in the exact same place as you. I just put a couple wraps of the Teflon pipe tape on the threads and wa-la no more leaks. If yours continues you might want to give that a try. Good luck
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,305
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Of course there was a little tag on the radiator that said, "Warranty Void if this tag is removed" It has fallen off ...
gotta wonder how many of those tags survive past the first few months. brilliant business plan .
gotta wonder how many of those tags survive past the first few months. brilliant business plan .
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Vancouver Island BC
There is also something in the warranty about having to flush the old system to remove ALL sediment etc... I flushed the system good, but I'm sure no doubt they'd find an excuse to void the warranty so they can sell me another piece of junk
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
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From: Booneville, Missouri
Radiator Leak
Just replaced my rad last year with a Spectra premium... Now this one is leaking at the fitting where the upper trans cooler line goes in... (leaking coolant)
I checked the fitting and the large 1-1/16" brass nut was loose... I snugged it down, but it is still dribbling out just as bad
Anyone know what seals those fittings?
I really don't wanna fork out another $200 for a new rad... But I might just have to...
Was gonna say screw the Chinese Junk... Just phoned ford to get a price from then, but this rad is now obsolete through them...
I checked the fitting and the large 1-1/16" brass nut was loose... I snugged it down, but it is still dribbling out just as bad
Anyone know what seals those fittings?
I really don't wanna fork out another $200 for a new rad... But I might just have to...
Was gonna say screw the Chinese Junk... Just phoned ford to get a price from then, but this rad is now obsolete through them...
I had the same problem although it only leaked enough to attract dirt, etcetera, and was black. I wire brushed the entire fitting and tightened it backing up the radiator fitting with a wrench while tightening the large brass nut and it is now leak free.
I believe that the fitting is a flared connection but I did not have it apart. The flare fitting does not have to be that tight nor does the radiator fitting. Use the "you can always tighten it more but once it is cracked it is too late."
Perhaps you could drain the Anti-Freeze into a clean container by loosening the large brass nut and be sure to "back up" the radiator fitting. When you have drained the Anti-Freeze remove the fitting from the radiator and clean the male and female threads. Perhaps you could use Teflon tape on the radiator fitting and just a couple of drops of 3 in 1 oil on the flare connection.
I do not know which thread sealant is best so perhaps some other Forum Members have the answer.
Take care.
Boon
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Islandr I do not remember what the brand name was of the radiator I installed. But initially had the fitting as tight as I dared go with it the first time. You know, tighten until a bead of sweat appears then stop. Checked for leaks and it was as usual. Next day I put in a call to the parts outfit and asked them what they recommended and they said to wrap it in Teflon pipe tape and it worked out okay for me. Hope this helps
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 398
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island BC
Well, I snugged the fitting as much as comfortable... Seems to be no leak. See the odd drip every 15 mins or so...
I think once the o ring re-seats it will be fine...
If it starts again I'll try the Teflon tape route...
Thanks for the suggestions!
I think once the o ring re-seats it will be fine...
If it starts again I'll try the Teflon tape route...
Thanks for the suggestions!
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