radiator removal
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 74
Likes: 10
From: Pennslvania
radiator removal
A 1998 ford club wagon with 5.4 V8 - after seeing coolant leak on garage flood I'm going to remove radiator to see exactly where the leak is - I watched a number of you tube videos on how to do it - some remove the fan and shroud to do this job - some don't - they just push the shroud backward and then remove the radiator - I was wondering if anyone has done this job without removing the fan and shroud and how it went - the videos where they removed the fan were mostly F150s - maybe a van is different = thanks - Joe
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
On my 2000 E-250, a 2003 E-250 and my 2005 E-350 (all with 5.4's) I've swapped radiators and A/C condensers by removing the fan shroud and the fan blade too. For me this pretty much guarantee's no potential for fragile component damage due close quarter.
FWIW I'm never in any hurry to complete such tasks so YMMV?
FWIW I'm never in any hurry to complete such tasks so YMMV?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,359
Likes: 2,592
From: Near Salt Lake City
That sure is a big job to remove the radiator to find the leak
How about some time (well spent) with a pressure tester and a good flashlight?
Granted it is most likely the radiator at fault but you;d never get me to pull it to check it for a leak
Big messy job on a van to R&R the radiator
Absolutely follow JWAs advice to pull the fan and shroud first
That is when you will be able to see the side tanks better anyway
Correct, on your van, your side tanks are top and bottom, that is where to inspect very closely for a crack in the plastic
How about some time (well spent) with a pressure tester and a good flashlight?
Granted it is most likely the radiator at fault but you;d never get me to pull it to check it for a leak
Big messy job on a van to R&R the radiator
Absolutely follow JWAs advice to pull the fan and shroud first
That is when you will be able to see the side tanks better anyway
Correct, on your van, your side tanks are top and bottom, that is where to inspect very closely for a crack in the plastic
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 74
Likes: 10
From: Pennslvania
Thanks for the comments - was going to work on it today but it's too windy and cold today - will wait until weather gets warmer - leak is somewhere on drivers side at the bottom - can't really get a good look at I until I move the fan shroud - I'll let you know what happens - thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,359
Likes: 2,592
From: Near Salt Lake City
Sure welcome,
Remove all that plastic shrouding at the top and take a look down in there
Most likely it does need a new radiator and the shroud and fan go first
Rent the fan clutch removal tool set from Autozone
It will not be wasted time removing that stuff IMO
AutoZone has the best warranty IMO and JMAC (1800Radiator) has the best prices IMO (also a lifetime warranty but they take them back and test them)
The zoner does not care if your dog eats them, they just give you another one if you be nice
Remove all that plastic shrouding at the top and take a look down in there
Most likely it does need a new radiator and the shroud and fan go first
Rent the fan clutch removal tool set from Autozone
It will not be wasted time removing that stuff IMO
AutoZone has the best warranty IMO and JMAC (1800Radiator) has the best prices IMO (also a lifetime warranty but they take them back and test them)
The zoner does not care if your dog eats them, they just give you another one if you be nice
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