Leaking Rad

Ragu9000 · Jan 5, 2014

2011 Job 1 with 74k on it. went to install my AMP steps and noticed the leak (talk about a buzz kill) well it appears to be coming from the second rad driver side drain plug region. after some research this appears to be a common issue. not looking to rant about Ford but I will not give them the 1500 they want to fix it. I have enough mechanical skill to do this myself with no issues.

What I ask is…

1.) OEM rad or aftermarket (if they even make any) and if so what kind?
2.) Keep the orange Ford coolant or switch to something else?

And a pic because I know we all love pics

Powerstroked162 · Jan 5, 2014

There are no aftermarket radiators available for the secondary system at this point. Honestly, I'd be surprised to ever hear if there would be.

Is it the petcock or is it the EGR output line near the bottom, that is giving you fits?

Ragu9000 · Jan 5, 2014

Powerstroked162 said:
There are no aftermarket radiators available for the secondary system at this point. Honestly, I'd be surprised to ever hear if there would be.

Is it the petcock or is it the EGR output line near the bottom, that is giving you fits?

should have posted this before. I guess I'm not sure where its actually coming from….I have a pressure tester just haven't been able to do it with the cold temps in NJ

Powerstroked162 · Jan 5, 2014

Looks like it's leaking at the crimp seal to me.

Ragu9000 · Jan 5, 2014

Powerstroked162 said:
Looks like it's leaking at the crimp seal to me.

yeah that seemed to be the most common issue. i read at one spot that people were just crimping them tighter but I can't see that really working

Powerstroked162 · Jan 5, 2014

I believe there is a o-ring seal around that edge. Not sure if crimping it tighter will repair a bad o-ring. You could try though. Maybe a radiator shop could r&r it?

Ragu9000 · Jan 5, 2014

I have a serious issue with trusting people working on my toys haha. guess it couldn't hurt….any clue what a rad from ford costs?

6.7strokin · Jan 6, 2014

Ragu9000 said:
I have a serious issue with trusting people working on my toys haha. guess it couldn't hurt….any clue what a rad from ford costs?

Had mine start leaking at 30k. Same exact spot as in picture. If I recall I thought the primary radiator drain was on the drivers side and the secondary on the passenger side but I can't remember for sure. Anyways, Ford fixed mine under warranty. The service guy said the radiator alone was 800. If I were paying out of pocket for labor and material it would have been right at 1800.

Dzchey21 · Jan 6, 2014

how many miles are the radiators covered under?

6.7strokin · Jan 7, 2014

Dealer told me that the radiators are only covered up to 36k. Not real sure why they dont go up to 60k with the power train warranty :shrug:. I have heard of some people out of the 36k warranty raise enough hell to get Ford to discount having the radiator replaced.

powerstrokedkid87 · Jan 7, 2014

Ragu9000 said:
I have a serious issue with trusting people working on my toys haha. guess it couldn't hurt….any clue what a rad from ford costs?

most prob couldn't put in a leveling kit :flipa:

Ragu9000 · Jan 7, 2014

powerstrokedkid87 said:
most prob couldn't put in a leveling kit :flipa:

haha good one

Ragu9000 · Jan 10, 2014

I would just like to give everyone an update. I picked up the rad for 679 +tax ( that is very close to fords cost) I tackled the job myself. I was not rushing and took my time and got it done in appx 5 hours. everything checked out leak free when I was done. I am very happy I saved myself about $800 in labor. Takes no specialty tools. could literally do the entire job with a couple pair of pliers, 7mm 8mm 10mm and 13mm sockets. and 2 buckets. very pleased with the job. only annoying part is you need to drain you AC.

Good luck to all :toast: