Simple Radiator Question
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Simple Radiator Question
I just took my "new" 1993 Ford F-150 Supercab (302/auto trans) in for an oil change. The guys pointed something out. I seem to have a crudely plugged off outlet near the top of my radiator, and they don't have any idea what it's for. Neither do I.
Right below the radiator cap is the overflow hose. Immediately below that is the opening in question. It's so close to the top of the radiator that it looks like it is still a part of the neck of the radiator. That poorly-done plug is leaking. I need to find out what the opening is for so that I can decide whether to cap it correctly or reconnect it to wherever it's supposed to go. Does anybody have the answer as to just what this opening on the radiator is for? Thanks!
Ron
Right below the radiator cap is the overflow hose. Immediately below that is the opening in question. It's so close to the top of the radiator that it looks like it is still a part of the neck of the radiator. That poorly-done plug is leaking. I need to find out what the opening is for so that I can decide whether to cap it correctly or reconnect it to wherever it's supposed to go. Does anybody have the answer as to just what this opening on the radiator is for? Thanks!
Ron
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Ron -
Some radiators have an inlet for heater return, rather than to the block. Do you know if the radiator in your '93 is original? Does the nipple look like it was added after-the-fact?
Steve
Some radiators have an inlet for heater return, rather than to the block. Do you know if the radiator in your '93 is original? Does the nipple look like it was added after-the-fact?
Steve
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Mystery Solved
Thanks for the help guys! It turns out that this is an aftermarket radiator. The extra opening that they built in is nothing that I need for my application. Now I can cap it right and forget about it.
Ron
Ron
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I can't say whether the aftermarket radiator is worse, the same, or better than factory. But the extra opening in it is now plugged correctly. No more leaks. The A/C, heat, and the temp that the engine is running at all look fine. Life is good again! Thanks again for the input.
Ron
Ron
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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
Some aftermarkets are made with options for cooling oil or tranny fluid and some have a place for a temp. switch/sensor!
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: S/C Texas
Mine has the exact same thing. I have a radiator hose type cap and clamp on it.
Thats kinda odd though....mine came with the cover and the clamp from the factory.
Thats kinda odd though....mine came with the cover and the clamp from the factory.
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