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  #1  
Old 11-20-2010, 07:54 PM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

This is strange, Had the truck for about 3000mi bought it at 147k now has 150
any way it runs great but the radiator started leaking from the seam close to where the bottom hose is.
I have since changed the radiator about a week ago 500mi a week work truck.
Now it seems to be leaking from the very same area, what I mean is the area around the hose is dry but just up the seam a bit it barely leaks, and mainly after the truck cools off at night.
These radiators seem extremely low quality, is there a substitute higher quality.
Also of note mine is the 1" core, I was told there are others but they will not fit, I must agree it seems nothing else would fit due to space constraints.
These radiators just kinda sit in a cradle and aren't really under any stress that I can tell so it doesn't seem as though that would be the cause.
Also of note the shop where I bought the new one took it out of the sealed box and tank pressure tested it as they do for all new sales, no leaks, I have not pulled it back out yet cause I would like to get some thing less flimsy if it exists.
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Old 03-08-2011, 11:26 AM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Changed thermostat and radiator cap it worked fro a while but is doing this again, it just drip from the tank edge, you can see where it bulges ( lifts the tabs slightly ).
I've taken the radiator out twice and got two new ones from two different places ( they looked exactly the same ) and I have repaired this one several times. after about a month it stars dripping again.
Also if you use the heater there is a loud thudding coming from the vacuum valve in the heater hose,very annoying.
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Old 03-08-2011, 11:32 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

If you keep replacing it, chances are it is something else thats wrong. I'm having a hard time understanding where this leak is. Can you take a picture of where this is?
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Old 03-09-2011, 08:52 AM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Well if I were computer savvy I could get a photo on here sadly I am not that good with puters.
The leak is on the side of the tank where there is an internal " O " ring.
The tanks are kinda pressed on with tabs that fold over the plastic all the way around. These tabs are getting loosened and then it leaks.
I have taken the radiator out and just pounded the tabs back and it will work for a while. I have also installed two new radiators.
It seems very odd that it keeps happening in the area above the lower hose.
I am beginning to wonder if the frame that the radiator sits on where there is a little " U " shaped cradle is bent. The previous owner might of had a fender bender that tweaked the core support. It does not look like it has ever been repaired, but why is it the same spot every time.
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Old 03-09-2011, 09:00 AM
01_ranger_4x4 01_ranger_4x4 is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

i had the same leak on my 93 and the radiator shop i talked to about it told me to replace the cap, which i did and the leak went away. if the cap isnt releasing the pressure when its supposed to (around 13 PSI) it will force coolant from the seems on the side tanks. he said its common with the crimped on plastic tanks. also, i put a dual core radiator from an explorer in mine (stock radiator sprung a leak in another spot) and it fit in case you wanted one for extra cooling. the lower neck where the lower hose attaches was slightly different but it still worked fine with the lower hose.
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Old 03-09-2011, 12:33 PM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

I'm leaning toward the radiator cap as well. It sounds like the cooling system is over pressurizing and blowing your radiators.
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Old 03-09-2011, 12:54 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Oh yea for sure. The cap is so cheap. Swap it and see what happens. If it gets any worse, you might find yourself with a literally blown up radiator from overpressure.
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Old 03-10-2011, 09:27 AM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

So you guys think swapping in a 2nd cap might do it ?
Guess it's worth another try.

----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by 01_ranger_4x4 View Post
i had the same leak on my 93 and the radiator shop i talked to about it told me to replace the cap, which i did and the leak went away. if the cap isnt releasing the pressure when its supposed to (around 13 PSI) it will force coolant from the seems on the side tanks. he said its common with the crimped on plastic tanks. also, i put a dual core radiator from an explorer in mine (stock radiator sprung a leak in another spot) and it fit in case you wanted one for extra cooling. the lower neck where the lower hose attaches was slightly different but it still worked fine with the lower hose.
Can you tell me what year explorer would fit mine ?
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Old 03-10-2011, 10:00 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Well the only thing that would cause three new radiators to leak like that is too much pressure. And the cap is the pressure regulator. So yes.
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  #10  
Old 03-11-2011, 09:18 AM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Ok, I will try another cap, I have a stant cap on there now, is that ok or should I try the factory, from the dealer ?
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Old 03-12-2011, 10:28 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Any autoparts store cap should be fine.
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  #12  
Old 03-13-2011, 07:43 PM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

Cool,thanx so much.
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Old 03-21-2011, 08:40 AM
pioneerscot pioneerscot is offline
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Default Re: radiator leaking 4 ltr auto

No change of course, Sure would be nice to get the plastic hunk of garbage out and put a real radiator in.
Any one know of a source for one that would fit ? Also is there truly a way to get rid of the heater valve from making the loud thudding noise ?
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