AntiFreeze Leak

[stusainte]

Hey Guys Have a question for you  I have a Radiator leak end cap ( go figure after the warranty is expired ) on my 95  302 5.0 getting a new radiator  but I noticed that I have antifreeze comming down the drivers side of the engine and on the bottom of the oil pan  There is no hoses or anything that i can see that would leak on that side and am thinking maybe freeze plugs, has anyone ever had this happen. Thanks for your help Again!!    

 

[miesk5]

Yo Stu,

At @ local auto parts store you can "borrow" (w/full refundable deposit) a Cooling System Pressurization Kit

Pressure Test

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WSSJ/~MUS~LEN/19/SSJ33014.HTM#extract_172

Follow kit's instructions instead of Ford's info on removing coolant temperature sending unit.  Als0 test rad cap w/adapter supplied

Coolant Leak May Occur at the Radiator Hose Joints, Hose Clamp TSB 95-6-16 for 95-96 BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES; A coolant leak may occur at the radiator hose joints. This can be caused by: Debris on the sealing surface; Misassembly of the hose and/or clamp; Defective or damaged hose clamp; "Mega" hose clamps are to be used, if needed, because they have 30% more clamping force than clamps used in the past. They expand and contract with the thermal cycling of the joint, thus retaining their clamp load and efficiently sealing the joint over long periods of time. The *****-type dual-wire and worm gear style band clamps are less robust under climatic and system thermal cycling. THE "MEGA" CLAMPS WERE SPECIFICALLY SIZED FOR 1995 AND LATER VEHICLES. THEY ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR VEHICLES BEFORE THE 1995 MODEL YEAR BECAUSE THE JOINT SEAL CONFIGURATION AND DIMENSIONS ARE DIFFERENT. IF A 1995 VEHICLE IS RECEIVED WITH A DUAL-WIRE CLAMP, REPLACE IT WITH A COMPARABLE BAND CLAMP..." read more
Source: by Ford via http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/9497faq/tsb/tsb/files/950616.pdf

Plastic End Cap Leak Repair in a 96; " For around $35 they replaced the seals between the aluminum rad and plastic end tanks. I thought about doing it myself, but the crimps all have to be the same tightness or it'll leak again. With their jig/tools they had it done in less than 30 minutes. The rad will last you another 10 years or so. If all else fails, buy one from radiators.com for around $120 shipped..."
Source: by Blue'87GT

Plastic End Cap Leak Repair; "Leaks in plastic end tanks can be filled with epoxy, covered with fiberglass and epoxy, or hot-air welded using nylon plastic filler rod. Welding plastic takes some skill and requires careful surface preparation to get good adhesion. The leak must first be "V" ground and sanded, then cleaned with wax and grease remover to assure a strong bond. The other alternative is to simply replace the damaged end tank. But the job is harder than it looks because the end tank must be pressed down on the core with about 150 lbs. of pressure while the header tabs are clamped in place. Radiator shops have the proper fixtures for doing this, but many underhood repair shops probably don't. Radiators with plastic end tanks are very vulnerable to steam erosion. If the coolant level is low and the engine starts to run hot, steam can erode and melt a hole right through an end tank. White deposits on the inside of the plastic is evidence that hot steam rather than coolant was flowing into the tank. If you find this kind of damage, check the thermostat and pressure test the system for leaks after the radiator has been repaired or replaced..."
Source: by Larry C at arrowheadradiator.com

my original rad w/plastic side seams lasted about 60K miles; 2nd leaked there again later and earlier this yr 3rd rad leaked at side

95 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual by Ford

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WSSJ/~MUS~LEN/20/SSJMAIN.HTM

SYMPTOM CHART — ENGINE COOLING

Section 03-03: Engine Cooling
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WSSJ/~MUS~LEN/19/SSJ33012.HTM

In case it is a core plug, see

Section 03-00: Engine Service, Gasoline
 
SERVICE PROCEDURES

Engine Block Plugs Removal and Installation

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WSSJ/~MUS~LEN/19/SSJ30030.HTM

 

[stusainte]

And Once Again Thanks Miesk5 for the info I decided to get another rad found one for under 100 bucks w/liftime warranty  but still trying to find out were the antifreeze is comming from on the drive side of the motor just a little bit on the oil pan bolts and on the bottom of the oil pan  hope its not freeze plugs but waiting for new rad to come in change it out and see if still leaking Thanks again  Stu

 

[miesk5]

yo Stu,

YW!

The fan does blow coolant all around.  So after new rad is installed and it still leaks with no location found, use a Cooling System Pressurization Kit to help locate the source.

btw, the 95 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual by Ford link is shot, hopefully it is just a Ford server issue.

GL!