1998 Ford Taurus Radiator

DN4192

MEMBER
1998 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
129,700 MILES

I had to have my radiator replaced and got it back and total was only $280. I have air getting into the radiator via issues with the engine, to help elivate all that pressure I was told not to tighten the cap on teh overflow jug all the way which would allow so pressure to escape. It does and so does some antifreeze. I am replacing the loss antfreeze. Will doing this help reduce the pressure on the new radiator?

What was wierd was that the radiator was warped? It was in a U shape, bot a ful U but not like it is suppose to be. Not sure what could cause a radiator to be in that shape outside of a head on accident, but no sign of that?

Also now I have noticed that loooooong after I stop driving and the engine has cooled down I am getting a few drops of either oil or tans fluid from underneath where the radiator is. Not a lot looks to be a few drops, any idea what is causing that?

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Could be the tranny cooler lines leaking, and what is the engine problem? Head gaskets? Proper engine cooling will not occur if pressure does not build to 16 lbs. But if you have a head gasket problem, it will get worse! There is a product called steel seal, google it and check it out, I havnt used it, but would like a report on how it works.

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Monday, August 24th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM

DN4192

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86 POSTS

Basically I have a dying engine. The no. 1 cylinder has very low compression and a misfire occuring and a "lean" indication from an 02 sensor. A leak down test showed air coming out the tail pipe and the radiator overflow jug. So not sure if I have a bad head gasket or burnt exhaust valve or both? I have heard of this seal product, but it requires running the engine at 1000 rpms for an hour, not sure if I want to put that strain on my engine.

I was told that do to the air getting into the radiator that by not tightening down the overflow jug cap fully would help reduce the excessive pressure the radiator is getting from the engine issue.

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Monday, August 24th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Dismantling is the only way to tell for sure, but seems more likley to be a head gasket problem. I saw the video on thier website and the car shown seems to be worse than yours.

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Monday, August 24th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM

DN4192

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86 POSTS

According to their website, you have to leave the engine running for 1 hour at an RPM of 1000 which means I would have to sit in the car and keep my foot on the gas since once my car warms up it idles at about 600-750. Plus I will have to remove the upper house and thermostat to put the product in.

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Monday, August 24th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

On yours the upper hose comes off the back, drivers side of the engine, remove tstat, reinstall housing and hose and you are good to go, I think they also have local shops that do it for you, certified by them to properly apply this product.