Well after finally sucessfully removing that wierd fitting and screwing the temperature sender directly into the block. I have plugged the small hose leaving the T from the lower radiator hose.

Problem is this allows the pump to hum a little because the coolant is hitting that dead end in the hose. It doesn't effect the cooling its just annoying and I would rather pick up a hose without this T in it.

The T is a branch from the lower radiator hose the hose then branches is 3/4" OD.

I have already returned a 96 3.0 Aero hose with the T in it. Hoping that my 96 was some type of wierd model no luck.

I know for a fact thanks to Copper that the 92 3.0 Aero doesn't have the T branch in the lower radiator hose. But are the bends in it right to fit on my 96 3.0?

Also if you know for a fact that your 3.0 Aero doesn't have this T in the lower radiator hose post here. I would like to get as close to my year as possible.

The T is clearly visible from under the vehicle on the lower radiator hose.

I would think the 3.0 lower radiator hoses didn't change much over the years but I just want some input.

Thanks .

 

my '94 doesn't have the "T". that's a little closer to your '96. anyone else closer?

 

Hi Krankshaft:

It's weird that Ford would change the lower radiator hose like that. There must be a reason for it though, so I recommend that you try to locate a similar fitting (or make one yourself from Home Depot) and put it in.

Based on what you described, that little hose appears to be in parallel with your radiator. The pump sucks it in from the branch on the lower hose, then pumps it through the intake manifold, partially bypassing the radiator. About the only purpose I can think of is to increase the pressure on the suction side of the pump, hence increasing the pressure on the tips of the impellers, mostly to avoid cavitation there. The humming you hear could be either a mini water-hammer effect on the little tube that's plugged, or it could be your pump cavitating, in which case it's bad news. Since we don't know the intent of that hose, the safe bet would be to reinstall it. You can either repair that fitting or replace it, but I wouldn't leave it out.

Just out of curiosity, I checked the Rockauto.com online catalog, and this is what I found.

For models '94 and earlier, there is only one listing for the water pump Motorcraft PW328.

For models '95-'97, there are two choices PW328 and PW389. So it appeared Ford did try to upgrade the water pump, so that'll explain the differences.

Sorry for the long-winded reply, but I'm careful when it comes to engine cooling

Regards

 

I have long-winded replies too don't know why I'm just very thorough .

I spent two days went from Ford dealer to Ford dealer all the hose diagrams they brought up for my 96 3.0 came up without the branch. All the diagrams they brought up of the sender unit showed it screwing directly into the engine.

When I asked the dealer I needed the lower radiator hose with the T on it (when I thought thats most likely where the leak was but wanted both parts just to be safe) the guy gave me a look like a cow staring at an oncoming train. Looking at the diagram it only showed the hose from the radiator to the block no T in the hose.

Only Napa had this wierd T hose in their computer which tells me maybe Ford released a TSB to install these revised lower radiator hoses if that fitting leaks?

As for the fitting I found enough at Home Depot to be able to screw it into the block and screw in the temperature sender but had no luck finding a nipple for the pipe to go on.

The original fitting is completely rusted at the neck of the nipple and sanding it would only make it worse (and probably reveal more holes) so I can't solder or weld it. Plus the nipple is made of very thin gauge metal unlike the thick cast metal on the rest of it.

Most of the parts guys said odds are the part is obsolete.

To see if it was water hammer making the noise I intentionally kinked the hose near the T and the sound stopped. So I ordered a 94 hose from the Ford dealer after comparing the picture to my current hose. Its the same old hose without the T.

I really don't like to modify things but if all the schematics point to this being wrong (including mine) and I'm apparently searching for a part that doesn't exist (and can't build) I'm in a corner.

I should have my hose by Tuesday until then I'll deal with the little hum I have already driven 50 miles on it and the temp gauge didn't move past the 1/4 point of the gauge which is completely normal.

Thanks for the help guys .