Radiator leak
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7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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Radiator leak
Hi all . 94 f150 5.0 just had a second new radiator installed . First had a trans fluid leak around line fittings . The second now has a leak around the top hose at neck area and runs down the side of radiator I’m thinking this has to be the hose as the original radiator was leaking at same area . I tightened the clamp and it stopped for a couple weeks but has started again . Hose looks ok but could still be bad. Might not have needed new radiator but it’s in . Thanks for any thoughts
Last edited by Mtncatnip; Jan 17, 2026 at 10:36 AM.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
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+2 for a new hose. Just because it's soft doesn't mean it's soft and smooth on the inside. There should be only about 13PSI in that system, so it's not high pressure, but a tiny opening can still leak. Also ensure the radiator pipe is round and such. Those normal spiral-screw hose clamps you see everywhere should be sufficient to clamp it properly. You want the clamp "above" the ridge in the pipe not on it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2021
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Hi all . 94 f150 5.0 just had a second new radiator installed . First had a trans fluid leak around line fittings . The second now has a leak around the top hose at neck area and runs down the side of radiator I’m thinking this has to be the hose as the original radiator was leaking at same area . I tightened the clamp and it stopped for a couple weeks but has started again . Hose looks ok but could still be bad. Might not have needed new radiator but it’s in . Thanks for any thoughts
Im only posting this since if your radiator is designed like the image #2 shows, then you should use constant tension (mubea/mega) clamps. if you want OE part numbers, here you go, but you can see the sizes as well generally.
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7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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The hose is not original . I’ve owned the truck close to 9 years and only put 1-2 k miles on it per year . The clamps are the screw type not spring ones and are somewhat rusted. I’ll try a new hose and clamps really don’t think it would be the radiator leaking in the same spot as the original . Thanks !
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Mastiff37
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 18, 2026 07:22 PM
