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?
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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.
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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!
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Sunday, December 20th, 2009 AT 2:49 AM

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