Radiator replacement

Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 165,000 MILES
Losing fluid from the right side of the radiator when I push on the top hose. I think the radiator is plastic side and can't find any books to do it myself.
Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 9:56 AM

31 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

What are you trying to do, replace the radiator or patch it up for now?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 11:59 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
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  • 28 POSTS
I want to replace the radiator. I just need how to take it out from the bottom or top.
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide to help walk you through the steps with instructions and diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
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  • 28 POSTS
Thanks for getting back to me, but your diagram is not working. I got 3.8l engine 1998. Oh my has no bracket in front of the van. I need a different way if you can.
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Its the same for the 3.8. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on, that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Yes, it does have the center bracket either way I still need away to take it out from the top or bottom. Ken is there anyway you can show me or another diagram?
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It should come out from the top, if you shoot a quick picture of what the problem is I can walk you through it.
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Hope this helps.
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 11:17 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Hope this helps. What's the difference between the two? Miz 1609 or rea 1609 a
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I see an aftermarket transmission cooler which will need to be removed, try to remove the top plastic piece to gain access. Also you may need to loosen the engine mounts to rock the engine backwards in the engine bay to get room to pull the radiator. Can you take pictures of the bottom where the radiator would come out if it could? I don't think it comes out from the bottom but I want to be sure.
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
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Did you get this?
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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,363 POSTS
I got it. But hard to tell what is going on. I am going to say it comes out from the top. Roll the engine back while loosening the engine mounts. Let me know.
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Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Okay, thanks. One say move the muffler out the way and move the engine block. I will let you know. Thanks
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Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please do.
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Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
You said I got an after market condenser. I see four plastic screws. How do I release them and put back on?
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Thursday, April 25th, 2019 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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After market transmission cooler, you will need to cut the plastic ties and then get new ones.
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Thursday, April 25th, 2019 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
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They look like I can unscrew it off.
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Thursday, April 25th, 2019 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Do you see the plastic screw? What is the name of them?
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Friday, April 26th, 2019 AT 6:00 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Those are cooler ties, they need to be cut you will need to buy new ones when reassembling.
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Saturday, April 27th, 2019 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
KUCHLER 123
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Thank you all your information I finally found the leak I put red dye in the water but still can't find it then finally park. The van I seen the radiator showed the leak. So new radiator here we come.
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Saturday, April 27th, 2019 AT 11:29 AM

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