Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Need fix for radiator

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 12, 2015 | 08:41 AM
  #1  
2005 Ex Limited's Avatar
2005 Ex Limited
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview, Mn
Need fix for radiator

I changed the idler/tensioner, and broke the overflow nipple off of the radiator putting the shround back on. Probably not a fix for this since it's plastic (thinking self-tapping-bulk-head-fitting) but I'll probably end up replacing the whole unit.

Anyone have a fix, or know where I can not spend $400 for a new one?
 
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2015 | 08:44 AM
  #2  
KIDkiser's Avatar
KIDkiser
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 780
Likes: 5
From: Kentucky
There is a way to fix,I think diesel tech Ron shows you how on YouTube.
 
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2015 | 10:12 AM
  #3  
2005 Ex Limited's Avatar
2005 Ex Limited
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview, Mn
Props given.

 
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2015 | 12:16 PM
  #4  
bobv60's Avatar
bobv60
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
Yep. I didn't use a video, drill and tap 1/8 npt ad bass pip to hose nipple.
 
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2015 | 12:24 PM
  #5  
walrus's Avatar
walrus
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Southeast, Louisiana
The 1/8 npt nipple works.. I did it after testing the load bearing weight of the original plastic nipple..

Test results: The plastic nipple will not support my full lean on it like an idiot weight.
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 07:27 AM
  #6  
2005 Ex Limited's Avatar
2005 Ex Limited
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview, Mn
Originally Posted by walrus
The 1/8 npt nipple works.. I did it after testing the load bearing weight of the original plastic nipple..

Test results: The plastic nipple will not support my full lean on it like an idiot weight.

There was another video that shows taking the fan off. When he goes to re-install it he was underneath pulling the tabs out to get the shroud seated correctly. Well I was underneath pulling the tabs out the get the shroud seated correctly.

Sometimes things just don't work out. No matter how you prepare, or act.

My only worry is that when I tap into the plastic that a little piece will end up in the system. Given my luck it won't matter because this will work, but I will end up getting hit by a train.
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 12:14 PM
  #7  
1977scoutii's Avatar
1977scoutii
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Don't use the epoxy, it won't last long (a few months). Use something specific for radiator repair (available at your local autoparts store) to use as a thread sealer on your nipple after you tap the hole. Id also recommend going in with a plastic fitting like nylon as opposed to brass. The brass will want to separate from the radiator material and thread sealer over time as well. Or at least this has been my experience.
 
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2015 | 04:33 PM
  #8  
Rusty Axlerod's Avatar
Rusty Axlerod
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Club FTE Gold Member
If you put a brass fitting in there, the fitting will become the best part of the radiator.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-3

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-6

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 05:50 PM
  #9  
2005 Ex Limited's Avatar
2005 Ex Limited
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview, Mn
Only thing I'm worried about is the galvanic corrosion between the copper and aluminum. Time will tell. Going to try it tonight, and I'll let you know how it goes.

It wanted a 7/16" hole for the tap, but I only had a 3/8". Right angle drill to get that in, and some pipe dope and all is good. Ran it around to really warm it up and it didn't drip a drop. Call this a win.
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 07:30 AM
  #10  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,823
Likes: 3,101
From: Jersey Shore
Galvanic corrosion would only be a problem if the metals were in direct contact with each other.

To confirm the earlier poster: Just about all retail epoxies are not waterproof and will fail in time with hot water.
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 08:05 AM
  #11  
2005 Ex Limited's Avatar
2005 Ex Limited
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview, Mn
Correct. With water above 200° the solubility will increase enough to allow more than usual amounts of copper to dissolve within the water. This will inevitably come in contact with the aluminum of the radiator and therefore we act in manner as if it was in direct contact. I would have preferred to do a plastic fitting, but home depot didn't have one. I will end up bullet proofing this next winter probably, so I don't have to worry about it long term.

I do agree with the epoxy. Unless you find one designed for use underwater it will fail rather quickly. That would be a short term fix, mine a moderate interval, and a plastic the indefinite.
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 10:45 AM
  #12  
joe blow's Avatar
joe blow
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 865
You know you can go to performance radiator.com and buy the EXACT radiator BPD sells for 248.00 shipped free. Your repair will eventually fail.....why chance it?


Aluminum tanked NO PLASTIC


https://shop.performanceradiator.com...roduct_id=5515
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 12:46 PM
  #13  
FICMrepair.com's Avatar
FICMrepair.com
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 4
If you want to stick with the OEM solution, we can set you up with Motorcraft OEM for $275 as well.
 
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2015 | 06:11 PM
  #14  
2005 Ex Limited's Avatar
2005 Ex Limited
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview, Mn
Originally Posted by joe blow
You know you can go to performance radiator.com and buy the EXACT radiator BPD sells for 248.00 shipped free. Your repair will eventually fail.....why chance it?


Aluminum tanked NO PLASTIC


https://shop.performanceradiator.com...roduct_id=5515

I never noticed that. Guess everyone has to make a few bucks huh.

Down the road I'll bulletproof it, but this will work for now.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pridnjoy
Excursion - King of SUVs
9
Sep 17, 2021 08:23 AM
04scurs
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Jan 9, 2019 01:41 AM
cowmilker08
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Feb 11, 2014 09:41 AM
oldschool888
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
25
Nov 12, 2013 07:16 PM
ericnewmanconst
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Feb 3, 2011 01:19 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:39 PM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE