1995 Ford E-Series Van radiator leak

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?

2 Replies

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

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!