i recently got this 73 f100 with 302...it took some time but i got it running and it was sitting running then as soon as i turned it off i could hear it bubble...like boil inside of the radiator hose and if i wiggle the radiator cap i could hear it release pressure but it never seemed to really overheat....it always stayed between E and M on the factory gauge. i knew something wasn't right and i noticed the radiator cap was pretty crappy shape...so i took it off and replaced it with a good one that had came off another car that went to scrap....well i let it run to warming temp again and it was running fine...i turned it and just heard one of those sounds that make you not want to look...i looked and my radiator had exploded in the front (grille side) right at the seam on the top tank....

Now i'm up the proverbial creek without a paddle...i can't in no way afford the 150+ for a new radiator. i was wondering what deals you have found online and such for good cheaper ones.

I also would like input on what my problem may be...it was full of water and the water pump wasn't leaking...i'm just not sure what was causing to boiling or the explosion.

 

u could try a junk yard of a rad

 

i know i could but i'd have to drive an hour to the junk yard to get a 40 dollar rad and hope it's a good one...

 

I would get the system psi checked before you try to start it again. Could be a bad head gasket.

 

Maybe see if theres a.radiator shop around you that could repair it and rod it out at the same time. I would defiantly do a hydro carbon check on the cooling system

 

i forgot about that radiator shop not far from here. i'll have to check with them....could someone explain or point out a link for the hydrocarbon check...i have none of the other symptoms of a blown head gasket.

 

what was the psi rating of the cap you put on ?,i think 13 psi was factory

 

it was a 16psi and so was the crappy one that came off of it...the radiator shop said they may be able to fix it but it's usually about $80 i called a few people close bu and they had one...both want $50 plus my old one so i guess that isn't bad.