leaky radiator
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
leaky radiator
My radiator seems to have developed a slow leak at the junction between the plastic tank and the aluminum core. I haven't pulled it yet, so I can't tell exactly where it is. I don't suppose it's possible to seal a leak in that area with some kind of goo?
I'm thinking of going my cheap route of finding a replacement at the junk yard. I'm hoping that if it isn't leaking, and doesn't look rusty inside, it might be worth trying.
I'm thinking of going my cheap route of finding a replacement at the junk yard. I'm hoping that if it isn't leaking, and doesn't look rusty inside, it might be worth trying.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Hi Eugene:
You might want to try the local radiator shop. I got a brand new Modine radiator for about $120. It was the 4.0L version with two-rows instead of the single row used on the 3.0L.
You might want to try the local radiator shop. I got a brand new Modine radiator for about $120. It was the 4.0L version with two-rows instead of the single row used on the 3.0L.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by xlt4wd90
I don't suppose it's possible to seal a leak in that area with some kind of goo?
I'm thinking of going my cheap route of finding a replacement at the junk yard. I'm hoping that if it isn't leaking, and doesn't look rusty inside, it might be worth trying.
I'm thinking of going my cheap route of finding a replacement at the junk yard. I'm hoping that if it isn't leaking, and doesn't look rusty inside, it might be worth trying.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
If you want to go the cheap route, buy a new radiator and install it yourself. The seal tabs may help for a little while, but they can plug up heater cores, which cost even more to replace. The cheapest route is to properly repair or replace the radiator. Any other route leave you open to risks that it may fail and take out a head gasket from overheating. The cheapest route is to get a new one and replace it yourself. I've been down that road, and replacing a plugged heater core is not fun. I didn't replace it myself, because I don't have the time. It took the mechanics who worked on it six hours to replace it.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
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I have done the Modine replacement thing myself. It is nice knowing that the effort will bear a good result because the parts are new. Check around. I have paid 100.00 for a used part and found out later that a new part was nearly the same price.
ken
ken
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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There are still deals out there because I just recently purchased an 2 row Modine for my 4.0. I won it off E-bay still new in the box for $ 40. Here is their web address out of Kansas City Misouri if anyone is interested.
www.midwayauto.com
www.midwayauto.com
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
xlt,
if you are planning on keeping the Aero as a dependable driver only a new radiator
an old leaker can quickly kill a 4L, 3Ls are more forgiving
Modine will last another 10+ years, cheap Chinajunke import=blowout on trip leaving you stranded????
if you are planning on keeping the Aero as a dependable driver only a new radiator
an old leaker can quickly kill a 4L, 3Ls are more forgiving
Modine will last another 10+ years, cheap Chinajunke import=blowout on trip leaving you stranded????
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
I was thinking of using some kind of epoxy on the outside to plug the hole.
No response doing a parts search at Midway. But I'll continue to shop for a new one. Modine you say?
No response doing a parts search at Midway. But I'll continue to shop for a new one. Modine you say?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
Proliance makes Modine
http://www.pliii.com/prod_radiators_auto.htm
FTE sponsor Rockauto carries....good internet source of Proliance
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
http://www.pliii.com/prod_radiators_auto.htm
FTE sponsor Rockauto carries....good internet source of Proliance
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Eugene:
If you happen to go down this way, let me know and I'll point you to the radiator guy I bought mine from.
Another thing about installation. The radiator drops into two holes on the bottom and is held by two bolts on top. The main reason a radiator will develop a leak at the seam is the twist incurred when you tighten the two bolts on top. If you put in some extra shims to eliminate that twist, the radiator should remain leak free for a long time.
If you happen to go down this way, let me know and I'll point you to the radiator guy I bought mine from.
Another thing about installation. The radiator drops into two holes on the bottom and is held by two bolts on top. The main reason a radiator will develop a leak at the seam is the twist incurred when you tighten the two bolts on top. If you put in some extra shims to eliminate that twist, the radiator should remain leak free for a long time.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
Hi Tung,
That's good info. There does appear to be some looseness at the bottom that's allowing that area to shake a bit. Maybe the leak developed from shaking. I haven't found it yet.
I looked around for a replacement, and found a super heavy duty 3-row radiator that's supposed to fit in the Aerostar. It's made by a company called Pro-Select, but I can't seem to find a place that sells it.
That's good info. There does appear to be some looseness at the bottom that's allowing that area to shake a bit. Maybe the leak developed from shaking. I haven't found it yet.
I looked around for a replacement, and found a super heavy duty 3-row radiator that's supposed to fit in the Aerostar. It's made by a company called Pro-Select, but I can't seem to find a place that sells it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by 96_4wdr
xlt,
Modine will last another 10+ years, cheap Chinajunke import=blowout on trip leaving you stranded????
Modine will last another 10+ years, cheap Chinajunke import=blowout on trip leaving you stranded????
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
Modine builds for OEM, the original radiator in your van was probably Modine....Ford has not made radiators in 30 years....about the only parts manuf. in Ford plants anymore is the major body sections, engine assemblys, most trannies....
most internal engine parts, ie cranks, pistons, cams....rear ends...suspension parts are outsourced to non Ford manufs...many in Mexico, some that Ford has a joint venture with
but all original parts in a Ford no matter who the manuf is meets OEM Ford specs
Ford also specs aftermarket replacement parts
Modine builds for both of these Ford specs and has been in Mexico for 10 years+
most of the Chinese do NOT and even print fake OEM certifications on parts and boxes
would you fly in a Boeing 767 with fake certified made in China parts?
most internal engine parts, ie cranks, pistons, cams....rear ends...suspension parts are outsourced to non Ford manufs...many in Mexico, some that Ford has a joint venture with
but all original parts in a Ford no matter who the manuf is meets OEM Ford specs
Ford also specs aftermarket replacement parts
Modine builds for both of these Ford specs and has been in Mexico for 10 years+
most of the Chinese do NOT and even print fake OEM certifications on parts and boxes
would you fly in a Boeing 767 with fake certified made in China parts?
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Apr 15, 2007 at 08:14 AM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by 96_4wdr
would you fly in a Boeing 767 with fake certified made in China parts?
Would you fly in a 767 made entirely in Mexico?
My point is, both countries have lots of inferior parts and the name brand companies are cashing in on it.