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The Radiator in my 2001 Explorer Sport Trac has a light/slight leak that in annoying, infuriating and I'm hoping not going to be an expensive repair. The leak is at, what I believe is the transmission cooler connection/s (see photos) Now the big question is, is this simply a leaky thread that can be remedied with pipe tape or is this a solid/permanent/pressure seal from original manufacture? Thanks in advance.
Radiator level never goes below the bottom of this fitting and usually takes about a week to get there, if I let it.
...Radiator in my 2001 Explorer Sport Trac...slight leak
...hoping not going to be an expensive repair
...leak is at, what I believe is the transmission cooler connection
...level never goes below the bottom of this fitting and usually takes about a week
JunkPlasticTanked Radiators are notorious for getting cracks+leaks in the PlasticSideTanks;
there's really no good fix, best to replace the old 2Core with a 3or4Core AllAluminum version.
Did this on my 2001 SportTrac several years ago now, no regrets;
not too difficult or expensive a job if you have the garage\shop space+tools. Click here for more info on replacing Radiator on a 2001 SportTrac.
That fitting is the ATF cooler line, there is a hear exchanger tank inside the plastic cap and the fitting is sealed with an "O" ring, A slight tightening may be sufficient, it is not much more work to replace the "O" ring..
Can try tightening the ATF Tube Fitting, but it's Coolant that's leaking, so likely a plastic crack around that connection. Be prepared mentally if tightening makes the coolant leak worse.
The rusty look of that leak indicates radiator is likely in need of replacing anyway, along with what ever other original Coolant System parts need to be renewed: pump, heater valve, hoses, clamps ...
