Radiator Leaking
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Radiator Leaking
I plan to replace my leaking radiator with a new one from the local Napa store. I've never done this so can anyone advise? Any special tools or precautions? Oh yeah - 1999 F150 Lariat w/4.6L. The dealership service advisor sees $$ opportunities whenever a female has a problem with her vehicle so I thought I could save alot if I could do it myself. Thanks...
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,209
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Hello Pinaylariat and welcome to FTE! 
This job should not be too difficult. Statndard tools and your time to drain the cooling system, then R&R the radiator. You should replace the coolant while you are at it. Good luck! 
This job should not be too difficult. Statndard tools and your time to drain the cooling system, then R&R the radiator. You should replace the coolant while you are at it. Good luck! 
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
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From: SE Wyoming
Flare nut wrenches for the tranny cooler lines, if you have them, are about the only special tools. The rad. simply unbolts at the top and then pull straight up, there are two pegs on the bottom that hold it in place. Be ready for a shock when NAPA gives you the price for a new one. IIRC they run $300+.
I almost forgot since I have Efans I never think about the clutch fan, you will need to rent the clutch fan removal tool from autozone. To get around buying flare nut wrenches you can use a good crescent wrench, get it on the fitting nice and tight so it won't round the corners.
BTW, is the leak at the side were the tanks mount to the core?
I almost forgot since I have Efans I never think about the clutch fan, you will need to rent the clutch fan removal tool from autozone. To get around buying flare nut wrenches you can use a good crescent wrench, get it on the fitting nice and tight so it won't round the corners.
BTW, is the leak at the side were the tanks mount to the core?
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
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Don't go there, steve. We don't want anybody broke on the side of the road in the middle of the night. She's better off fixing it herself the right way. Next thing, somebody's going to tell her to dump black pepper or egg whites in there to stop it up. It's an aluminum radiator core with composite tanks and o-rings- replace it and drive on.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: SE Wyoming
Simply for ease. Nothing like dropping a new radiator in and spearing it with your fan. It has been a few years since I replaced my rad. and even longer since I had a fan but I wouldn't want it and the shroud rattling around in there while I was trying to replace the radiator. I have done it on 460's and it is a major PITA.
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Changing radiators
I have replaced mine 3x now. I have a 99 5.4L Supercab. You shouldn't need to pull the fan. Remove the fan shroud and let it lay back against the engine, over the fan. Remove the the upper and lower hose clamps and detach hoses. (The lower hose clamp was somewhat a pain, but just because an akward angle.) Unbolt radiator supports at top that hold in place.
The fittings for the transmission lines should come out easy. When you put them back in, make sure you start them by hand, since you don't want to cross thread them.
The fittings for the transmission lines should come out easy. When you put them back in, make sure you start them by hand, since you don't want to cross thread them.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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I have a leaking radiator myself. Well did have one. BUT I didnt have the $$ @ this time to buy and new one and thats not really something I wanted to go junk yarding for. I have never been a fan of that stop leak crap but it done the job and tied me over until a better money situation came around. Just my personal opinion. I would replace the radiator if it was in your money plans but if not the stuff works for a short term fix. Just follow the instructions. It all depends on your personal budget.
I already had plans to replace it anyway just wanted the one I had to make it a little longer.
I already had plans to replace it anyway just wanted the one I had to make it a little longer.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
The radiator should be this one Proliance Ready Rad 431383 - Proliance Ready-Rad Radiators - summitracing.com summit has the best prices on them.
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