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Jul 31, 2003 | 01:46 PM

darkphoenix

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Chattanooga, TN

Newbie Question

I just replaced my radiator in my husband's 1979 F100 Custom 302 V8. There are two metal wire connectors for the transmission at the bottom of the radiator...and well, I don't know if it's whether I'm a girl (lack of arm strength) or whether I'm missing something, but I can't stop a leak from the transmission connector on one side. It's a constant drip from the hose while the truck is running (about once every 45 seconds). And before anyone says it...I tried using teflon tape. It hasn't worked for me yet - not that I'm an expert with that stuff.

Other than that, I am happy to say that the radiator works great.

PS - I'm pretty sure it's not arm strength, as my husband couldn't fix it either.

Jul 31, 2003 | 06:13 PM

HomerWinzlow

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 3,595

Likes: 52

From: Lawton, Oklahoma

Newbie Question

Im trying to picture WIRE connectors but I just cant see in my mind what they are. If you mean the two adaptors that usually come with the radiator to metal flare fittings then one sounds like it isnt seating. That could be due to the wrong adaptor or it may be cross threaded, preventing the flare to seat properly. The flare on the tubing may be damaged as well. No amount of teflon tape will seal a flared fitting that isnt seating properly. I would remove the tube and see if the threads on the fitting are cross threaded or the adaptor on the radiator itself. Often when removing the fittings from the old adaptors on the original radiator, they are so seized up that you contort the fitting out of shape it wont seal properly. If it didnt come with the adaptors you should go to the parts store or Ford dealer and get new adaptors. Hopefully the fitting and flare on the tubing are OK.