Replacing my radiator
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 35
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Replacing my radiator
I have a 1995 F150 with an automatic 351W. My radiator has been leaking around the plastic side tanks. I've been pouring water in it regularly but, with winter coming around quickly, I decided to go down and buy a new radiator along with all the hoses, cap, thermostat,etc.
I was wondering what the coolant capacity is for the radiator and also how much transmission fluid I will need to replace with the new radiator.
Any additional tips on replacing the radiator or some aspects I may not be aware of will be greatly appreciated.
I was wondering what the coolant capacity is for the radiator and also how much transmission fluid I will need to replace with the new radiator.
Any additional tips on replacing the radiator or some aspects I may not be aware of will be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 491
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From: Boyd,TX
My 95 is doing the same thing, I guess 12 years is all you can get out of the radiators. Other people with the same year trucks are posting the same leaks. I believe the cooling system capicaty is about 2 to 2 1/2 gallons, you shouldnt loose more than a quart or two on transmission fluid. Go ahead and flush the cooling system with a good flush before you take out the old radiator so you don't stop it up and shorten it's life.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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I replaced my radiator last fall. Along with all the hoses, and thermostat. Took the oportunity to do a good flush of the cooling system before installing the new radiator.
Pulled the radiator and the hoses, and used compressor to blow out as much water as I could get out. Added 1 gallon of antifreeze to the system, then poured 1/2 the other gallon into the empty jug. Filled the jug with distilled water, and added that 50/50 mix to the system and let the engine run until it open up the thermostat and circulated a few minutes. Tested the mix to see where I was. Looked to be close to 50/50, so filled the remaining jug with distilled water. Used that jug to finish topping off the system, and filled the over flow resivoir. Still have 1/2 gallon of mix, in case I need to add latter. I don't like buying premixed cause it seems like a terribly expensive way to buy distilled water. I'm always careful to mark the jug in big letters as 50/50 mix.
Pretty much always do it that way and seems to work well for me.
Good luck Frank
Pulled the radiator and the hoses, and used compressor to blow out as much water as I could get out. Added 1 gallon of antifreeze to the system, then poured 1/2 the other gallon into the empty jug. Filled the jug with distilled water, and added that 50/50 mix to the system and let the engine run until it open up the thermostat and circulated a few minutes. Tested the mix to see where I was. Looked to be close to 50/50, so filled the remaining jug with distilled water. Used that jug to finish topping off the system, and filled the over flow resivoir. Still have 1/2 gallon of mix, in case I need to add latter. I don't like buying premixed cause it seems like a terribly expensive way to buy distilled water. I'm always careful to mark the jug in big letters as 50/50 mix.
Pretty much always do it that way and seems to work well for me.
Good luck Frank
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 279
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From: Vineland, New Jersey
Yeah, mine crapped out on Tuesday....had a nice puddle in the driveway. It was leaking around the plastic end. I got her all fixed and ready for winter. It started on that first cold night we had. It takes about 2 to 2.5 Gallons to do the swap.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Watchin' Alabama tear up LSU a little bit instead of working on my radiator like I need to be doing.
Thanks for the info everybody. I definitely need to flush her out first.
The Gates lower hose I bought does not have the metal spring in it like the factory lower hose.
Do I need to pull out the old one and use it? Is that even possible?
Thanks for the info everybody. I definitely need to flush her out first.
The Gates lower hose I bought does not have the metal spring in it like the factory lower hose.
Do I need to pull out the old one and use it? Is that even possible?
