radiator leak
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
radiator leak
Hi All,
Ok, I fixed one problem, and now have another...
I had to pull the top hose off the radiator so I could change out the new alt... that works so far...
but now, after I reinstalled the top hose, I'm getting a leak there
I thought maybe it was cause the hose is older, and not as plyable at that same spot where I put the clamp, so I moved the clamp down a little bit, seemed to help, but still leaks now...
so, I'm going to get a new top hose... if I tightened it too much, and it cracked, would I notice it as a much larger leak, than just a minor dripping?
if I did crack it, is there anyway to repair it without replacement? JB weld? or am I screwed?
I see that there are all alum tanks made as a replacement - is that a good idea? also, how hard are they to pull? what all do I need to take off?
thanks all
Ok, I fixed one problem, and now have another...
I had to pull the top hose off the radiator so I could change out the new alt... that works so far...
but now, after I reinstalled the top hose, I'm getting a leak there
I thought maybe it was cause the hose is older, and not as plyable at that same spot where I put the clamp, so I moved the clamp down a little bit, seemed to help, but still leaks now...
so, I'm going to get a new top hose... if I tightened it too much, and it cracked, would I notice it as a much larger leak, than just a minor dripping?
if I did crack it, is there anyway to repair it without replacement? JB weld? or am I screwed?
I see that there are all alum tanks made as a replacement - is that a good idea? also, how hard are they to pull? what all do I need to take off?
thanks all
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
If you cracked the radiator inlet pipe, you would see a constant leak whenever the engine warmed up and coolant was circulating. I had the same issue after removing/reinstalling my radiator last year. Worked fine before, no leaks but I could not get the same hose/hose clamp to seal. I wound replacing the hose and still had a very slight, intermittent leak. I put a second clamp on and problem solved. Mystery to me as to why this would happen.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
Did you notice if the plastic housing is a little bit loose? I mean to ask, when I pulled off the hose, I noticed that there was some give there, like at where the nipple meets the radiator...
I think I'll do that - get a new hose with a couple of clamps, and see if that works, and then get some JB Weld that they have for water, etc, and try that too... didn't know if a bead of RTV would be ok to use there to help seal, but I guess a new hose would fit pretty tight anyways....
BTW - how hard are they to pull if I end up doing that? will they clear the hood ok?
I think I'll do that - get a new hose with a couple of clamps, and see if that works, and then get some JB Weld that they have for water, etc, and try that too... didn't know if a bead of RTV would be ok to use there to help seal, but I guess a new hose would fit pretty tight anyways....
BTW - how hard are they to pull if I end up doing that? will they clear the hood ok?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
Did you notice if the plastic housing is a little bit loose? I mean to ask, when I pulled off the hose, I noticed that there was some give there, like at where the nipple meets the radiator...
I think I'll do that - get a new hose with a couple of clamps, and see if that works, and then get some JB Weld that they have for water, etc, and try that too... didn't know if a bead of RTV would be ok to use there to help seal, but I guess a new hose would fit pretty tight anyways....
BTW - how hard are they to pull if I end up doing that? will they clear the hood ok?
I think I'll do that - get a new hose with a couple of clamps, and see if that works, and then get some JB Weld that they have for water, etc, and try that too... didn't know if a bead of RTV would be ok to use there to help seal, but I guess a new hose would fit pretty tight anyways....
BTW - how hard are they to pull if I end up doing that? will they clear the hood ok?
You should find a local radiator shop and have them leak test your radiator. Cost is minimal and if there is a leak at the neck, JB Weld should do the trick. I would avoid silicone. It may work initially but heating/cooling expansions will eventually cause a failure.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
turborich
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
20
Dec 28, 2018 09:53 AM
f350custom
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
48
Feb 17, 2009 10:22 PM
cpt97M3
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
43
May 6, 2005 09:13 PM
