Hey all, I have a 97 F-250HD (92-96 body style, engine, frame, etc.) with a 5.8L engine and E4OD transmission. Finally found my coolant leak this week, in the form of a large hole in the side of my radiator, so I did what any reasonable person does and replaced the whole thing.

First thing I did was flush the system with a hose. My coolant was dark orange from rust, and I actually found a huge buildup of rust flakes in my water outlet (see next post down). I've successfully replaced the radiator, upper and lower hoses (but not the oil cooler hose, I left that alone), water outlet, and thermostat.

Issue #1, I broke a transmission oil cooler line. Specifically, the one running from the bottom port on the radiator to the aux cooler in the grill. I'm having a massive PITA trying to find the correct fittings to replace this. I currently have a 12" brake line connected to a Ford hose fitting kit. The hose fitting kit is working great, but the connection on the brake line to the fitting kit is leaking. Does anyone know where I can get the correct fittings (other than a dealership), or do I have to go to Ford?

Second, not sure if this is as much an issue as I'm just curious. My radiator has two hoses connected to the fill spout. The top one goes to the coolant overflow tank. The bottom one was capped on the new radiator, but I uncapped it and attached the (previously clogged) hose. I was surprised that this hose was shooting a jet of water into the radiator. Does anyone know what this is for or what this does?

TIA

 

As promised, water outlet full of crap

 

The one lower of the overflow, goes to hose on top of radiator that is a return from the throttle body. The lower throttle body hose is connected to the bypass hose behind the thermostat.
If your throttle body does not have the coolant tubes, keep that capped on your radiator.

It is the throttle body coolant return.

 

Thanks! I was wondering where that went. It was clogged up and non-functional before i changed the radiator.

 

Check your local parts store for a SUR&R Part number TR620. This should be a replacement line nut for your trans lines.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/urr-tr620

 

I don't mean to hijack a tread but this part and when else is need to connect to a "rubber" hose that would go to the hard line that if flanged. The current OEM connections are a PIA to reinstall after installing a new radiator. I thought all was good without leaks but 6 months later I have a leak on the lower connection. They are all tight from me trying tighten more but its a no go.

ATF Coolant radiator connection leak

 

If the double flare of the hard line has been compressed many times, or over tightened, it can crack.
Also, if over tightened the brass fitting can crack.

More than likely, you will need a new brass fitting, and will also have to make a new double flare on the hard line.