1995 Ford E-Series Van radiator leak

Tiny
1SOGWAP
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 31,500 MILES
I have a small leak in the radiator at the top crimped ridge. I was told that a sealant could cause blockage in the channels in the engine and that I should use red pepper or black pepper as a repair. Will this work? Is it temporary? Or should I use JB weld?
Monday, November 30th, 2009 AT 10:34 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
MICKEY-D
  • MECHANIC
  • 304 POSTS
I think you should bite the bullet, and bring it to a radiator shop for a rebuild. If you like your van, and you must with all the miles on it, do it the right way, and it will go many more.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 AT 10:47 PM
Tiny
WINDOZ
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
This is a byproduct of old age. I had the same problem; the seal between the plastic jacket and the aluminum core just gives way. I don't know if a radiator shop can fix this problem, as the 'old school' delt with brass radiators that were soldered and could be resoldered. Radiator addatives are a cheap and temporary fix, but flushing the system prior to replacing the radiator would be recommended. I found rockauto. Com beat my local NAPA store by half for price, but you do have to wait for a week or so to get your radiator. If you have the luxury of time, it is a good option. The nice thing about your predicament is that pulling an reinstalliing a new radiator is a fairly easy fiix if you do it yourself. Good luck!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, December 20th, 2009 AT 2:49 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links