Radiator Leak
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 30
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From: WI
Radiator Leak
1994 4.0 4X4 auto. For the past couple of years during the colder months, my radiator seems to leak. I've checked all the hoses and fittings and have had a repair shop do the same. It seems to leak the most when I use my heater, but still will leak even if I don't use it and it's just below 40 degrees. When I took into the shop last year they said that it was leaking a from the top of the radiator and they crimped it shut more to stop it. They said that doing that held the pressure in the coolant system. Well that worked for about a week and then it became spring and warm outside and it stopped leaking. Now it's getting cold outside everyday here in Wisconsin and it has started leaking again. It's not causing any performance issues and I check it every few days to make sure there's enough coolant. Any ideas what it would be or if there is something I could pinpoint before taking it to a shop. It seems like I get much better service at a repair shop if I know what is wrong first, as I'm sure you know. This site has helped me out greatly before and saved my a lot of time and money, so I thought I'd give it a shot again. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Black Ranger; Nov 5, 2003 at 07:41 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
IMHO, forget about trying to repair the radiator, too much time and $$. It is more cost effective, and better for your engine in the long run, to simply replace it.
So, if you are sure that it's the radiator leaking, then it's time for a new one.
That's just my 02.
So, if you are sure that it's the radiator leaking, then it's time for a new one.
That's just my 02.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 0
From: N. Florida - The "No 4x4
I have to vote with Rockledge on this one.
It sounds like at the very least you have a radiator that was not properly cleaned before the seams were soldered. That means ~never ending~ leaks springing up.
. . and at the worst possible time! (Murphy is a Ford man too)
It sounds like at the very least you have a radiator that was not properly cleaned before the seams were soldered. That means ~never ending~ leaks springing up.
. . and at the worst possible time! (Murphy is a Ford man too)
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 0
From: St. Peter
I have a 94 4.0l 4x4 auto with 110k on it and it seemed to be leaking right under the radiator cap, so i flushed out the radiator and all, no help, then i replaced the thermostat and bingo, hasent been leaking after that. Might give it a try, its just 3 bolts, and you have to drain your cooling system. If thats not the problem its probably good prevenative maintanence anyway
