From one problem to another on my '99 F150. Radiator started leaking in what appears to be the lower corner on the passenger side. Are these radiators repairable? If not, can anyone list for me or tell me where to find the steps involved in removing and replacing the radiator. Any tips, tricks, or shortcuts would be appreciated so this doesn't become an all day affair. Thanks for any help.

Lou

 

how big of a leak, how much money do you want to invest, and what condition is the radiator in other than the hole ?? You can use a liquid radiator sealer you pour into the system ?

 

Are you sure it's leaking from the bottom corner? Or is it leaking from the top and running down? (maybe hose)

 

Was told by a few contacts that the radiator sealers often clog the radiator passages as well as repairing the leak (doesn't always work) and that the surest way to repair is to replace. My parts guy at Ford is getting the radiator for me for about $340 plus tax so decided to go that route. The radiator is original and the leak is about a cupful today vs a few drops yesterday. At that rate, am running on borrowed time.
The leak is definetely low as the entire area above is dry (radiator hose on down is dry. Wet only at bottom corner).
Can anyone tell me the R&R procedure then? Thanks.

Lou

 

Have to do it today. Is anyone available for help? Also, is there any issue or things to watch out for when changing the t-stat? May do that as well. Thanks guys.

Lou

 

Start with removing fan w/special fan wrenches. Fan shroud, drain system, remove hoses. The A/C condenser probably bolts to the rad/rad support in front so be careful there.. look for hidden bolts. Other than that... have lots of patience

 

It is actually very easy it is held in by the two top brackets take them off and remove all hoses from it and the radiator will pull right out. If you haven't done it the hoses are over do to be changed, the bottom one is a bitch on the engine side. Also you will probably need some of the tranny fittings off the old radiator if you have an auto.

 

I've replaced the radiator in my 99 4 times since i've owned it( i'm the original ownwer ). I think the problem is the fact that they have plastic tanks and the cycle of heating and cooling makes the plastic brittle and eventually it ends up cracking. I have 298000 miles on it so far and other than the radiator it has been an awesome truck.

 

I couldn't tell by the fluid color that came out when I drained the radiator (it looked either orangy-green or greenish-orange), but which coolant should I be using, the orange or the green? Thanks again.

Lou

 

Get the stuff that mixes with any coolant, most likely it had green. although I have seen orange in them, mine included.

 

as long as it is not the DEXCOOL stuff made for GM vehicles you are o.k. Most of the new long life stuff is orange.