RADIATOR PROBLEM

[HUGO]

My radiator leaks during cold weather. It started one day when the temperature hit around 40 but it only drips for a minute or two during cold starts. Good thing that Sho's have a coolent sensor to warn me. Could it be fixed without replacing the radiator. If I have to replace it should I get an aluminum or original.

 

[sdpatt]

It's most likely leaking at the rubber seals between the plastic end tanks and the aluminum tube section. There is also a weak point where the driver side fan shroud bolt stresses the plastic tank ans causes it to crack. I have had two radiators fail at this same point.

You can remove the radiator and have a radiator shop replace the seals, but for a bit more cash, you can have a new radiator with clean tubes for the same effort to remove/install. The Go Dan Inc. (GDI) 43-2192 from Pep Boys for $149.99 works for both the 3.0L and the 3.2L SHOs. You can also get them cheaper through on-line sources: RockAuto.com, auto-radiator-car-radiator.com or others. I have seen them for as low as the $100 range. You should get at least 5 years of service from the radiator before it leaks.

 

[BIGSHOMIKE]

Mine did the same thing, I took it to a radiator shop and they took both tanks off, cleaned it and put a new tank (one was cracked as mentioned) and seals, cost 35 for the flush and 35 for the new tank. It works like new, but I don't know if it will last as long as it's only been about a month since I had it done.

 

[SHOfun 93]

Here is a brand new one from the radiator doctor. He had quite good feedback and that is a HECK of a deal for a new radiator for our cars. The one I got off of ebay is an exact fit for the factory ford one. Geez mine was corroded! Anyways..here is the link...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1858461428

Have at it! and for less than $75 delivered!