Radiator questions/repair
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Radiator questions/repair
Yup, I'm back again. >.< Dang truck!!
Anyway, Jasper (1985 Ford F-150 2WD 5.8 L V8) has had some form of an antifreeze leak for awhile now. When the engine gets hot, you can smell that burnt marshmallow scent.
Well, I leave work today, and there's a BIG puddle under the front of it. -_- So I drive him home (5 minute drive, seriously), pull in, park, turn off, and get out. And already there's a half-dollar size puddle. I pop the hood, and the entire reservoir is empty, and the fender is full of antifreeze. I don't see where it's leaking from, since everything is wet. It's dripping pretty solidly though, and he blew a radiator plug a few months back.
So, should I just replace all the hoses and hope the radiator is solid, or should I just replace the entire darn thing? Also...the one in there now is plastic, and everything I'm finding online is now showing brass and aluminum. Why?
Thanks again so much guys!!
Anyway, Jasper (1985 Ford F-150 2WD 5.8 L V8) has had some form of an antifreeze leak for awhile now. When the engine gets hot, you can smell that burnt marshmallow scent.
Well, I leave work today, and there's a BIG puddle under the front of it. -_- So I drive him home (5 minute drive, seriously), pull in, park, turn off, and get out. And already there's a half-dollar size puddle. I pop the hood, and the entire reservoir is empty, and the fender is full of antifreeze. I don't see where it's leaking from, since everything is wet. It's dripping pretty solidly though, and he blew a radiator plug a few months back.
So, should I just replace all the hoses and hope the radiator is solid, or should I just replace the entire darn thing? Also...the one in there now is plastic, and everything I'm finding online is now showing brass and aluminum. Why?
Thanks again so much guys!!
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Do the radiator hoses get soft & mushy? If so, replace them, you'll hopefully locate a
heater hose that exploded or sumthin'. You can maybe rent a pressure tester - basically,
a device that fits where the radiator cap goes - with a plunger that you pump up to
pressurize the system - and then locate the leak(s) for certain.
heater hose that exploded or sumthin'. You can maybe rent a pressure tester - basically,
a device that fits where the radiator cap goes - with a plunger that you pump up to
pressurize the system - and then locate the leak(s) for certain.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2009
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Do the radiator hoses get soft & mushy? If so, replace them, you'll hopefully locate a
heater hose that exploded or sumthin'. You can maybe rent a pressure tester - basically,
a device that fits where the radiator cap goes - with a plunger that you pump up to
pressurize the system - and then locate the leak(s) for certain.
heater hose that exploded or sumthin'. You can maybe rent a pressure tester - basically,
a device that fits where the radiator cap goes - with a plunger that you pump up to
pressurize the system - and then locate the leak(s) for certain.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
No, you don't. 
Could also be your water pump leaking (bearing is worn out) and antifreeze is
getting sprayed around by the fan.
Could also be your water pump leaking (bearing is worn out) and antifreeze is
getting sprayed around by the fan.
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Hopefully I'll have some news tonight. -_- This is just...yeah. Nother Day, Nother 100 bucks.
