Radiator

[MorpheusGPR]

Looks like my leak is not the lower hose but is coming from the drivers side corner from what I can tell..

Can I use some stop leak type stuff in there? I am on the phone with auto zone right now... 138.xx for a new one...is there unit any good?



7.99 for a new thermostat from them part number 15879 is that the correct unit?

Whats it going to take to get the radiator out and replaced?

Do I have to do much to get in there? I have not done the 100k yet and I pulled a couple of plug wires off, noticed oil on the bottom the wire and around the top outside...so whats the skinny on getting that stopped with the plug well seals and how much are those things...I know the HG are huge $$$ so I might try a set of the metal ones down the road.

Motorcraft plugs from Autozone were 4.09 each.

 

[Bank of SHO]

I wouldn't try any of the stop-leak stuff. You can get a new radiator for $150 or less and put it in yourself in 2 to 3 hours. Experienced people will take an hour or less. You may need a helper to hold wires out of the way while removing/installing the radiator. It is a very simple job even for amateurs like me.

The atx cars require a couple of extra connections.

If you have a Helms manual, the procedure in it is easy to follow.

Good luck!

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Yes, a radiator job is CAKE. Even if youve never done one.

I got a new radiator from my local car-quest for just about $120.

 

[Bank of SHO]

Forgot your other questions. Sounds like it's time for a 60k maintenance.

Replace the thermostat when you replace the radiator and before you fill it back up. Do a search on the thermostat part number you need. They vary between mtx and atx, I think. Make sure you get one with jiggle valves.

This is also a good time to replace the temp sender and ect sensors if needed.

 

[MorpheusGPR]

Should I just tear the whole thing down and save some money up for the entire 60k job?

Or is doing the radiator, thermostat, temp sender, and ECT (not sure what that is) sensor now not going to be a problem if the 60/100k gets done later.

 

[Bank of SHO]

The latter are separate from a 60k. The ECT is the engine coolant temperature sensor. The temp sender sends the temperature reading to the dashboard guage. None of these cost much and are easy to replace. Just need some teflon tape and deep sockets to snug them up. It's up to you, but as long as the radiator is out(or drained), they're easy to replace. Hopefully others will chime in to give their thoughts on this.

 

[Bank of SHO]

Don't be too intimidated about trying to do the work yourself. Just take it one step at a time. It's not bad with all the help here and the excellent write-ups with pictures(re. the 60k). The pictures are worth a thousand words as it is said.

What I do on all work is take detailed notes and draw simple diagrams every step of the way. I also bag(ziplock) and tag all fasteners and parts. This takes time, but makes reassembly and future work very easy and removes any doubt about mistakes. It's well worth the time and effort for we novices. I take notes in a spiral notebook and print procedures and posts here and place them in a three ring binder. Use plastic sleeves available at office supply stores, otherwise the paper will tear easily in the binder.