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    #1

    Radiator tank cracked

    it's a tiny crack slightly above the upper hose fitting and leaks only under pressure (and slowly at that). Would plastic weld epoxy and a patch to cover the area be a good idea, should I use another epoxy, or should I just get another radiator?

    I'm leaning towards the plastiweld fix right now. I'd like to find an all aluminum radiator for my 88 (looks like the one made for the 5.8L would work if I use the stock clips/speed nuts but I'm not sure).

    Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
    rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)

    Originally posted by gadget73
    ... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.

    Originally posted by dmccaig
    Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.
    Tags: None
    #2
    351 radiators work if you use the upper rad hose for the 351. For whatever reason, the inlet on the metal radiator is smaller than on the plasitc one.
    86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
    5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

    91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

    1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

    Originally posted by phayzer5
    I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

    Comment

      #3
      that is odd. *checks specs* yeah... 1 1/4" for the 351 up top instead of 1 1/2" for the 302. What a crock. I guess I'll see if I can find some plastic weld and seal this one up until I can afford a proper radiator.

      Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
      rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)

      Originally posted by gadget73
      ... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.

      Originally posted by dmccaig
      Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.

      Comment

        #4
        I have tried various plastic welds on those cracks and nothing worked well. the most it ever held was about a week.

        check your local junk yard, I stumbled across a car with an almost brand new 3-core radiator installed, I got it for $25.
        2003 Town Car Signature - 3.27 RAR, Dual exhaust and J-mod - SOLD 9/2011
        89 Crown Victoria LX HPP -- SOLD 9/2010
        88 Grand Marquis LS - The Original -- Totaled 5/2006

        I rebuild AOD/AODE/4R70W/4R75E transmissions....Check out my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/North...48414635312478

        Comment

          #5
          since this crack is so friggen small (can't even see it unless you know EXACTLY where to look), I'm going to try the permatex plastic weld (if I can find any - I may have to resort to ordering a case on-line) and put a metal bandaid on it (extra computer expansion slot blank trimmed to fit).

          Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
          rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)

          Originally posted by gadget73
          ... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.

          Originally posted by dmccaig
          Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.

          Comment

            #6
            I could've sworn I saw a link to a new 3 core copper radiator for a 85? vic for about $100?

            Pete
            Originally posted by gadget73
            For other types of inquiry, more information is required. Please press 4 to speak to a representative who can help you with your question. This call may be monitored for quality assurance purposes.


            2003 Grand Marquis Ultimate, the "Stealth Bomber": http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...-Grand-Marquis
            1991 S-10, 'Bulldog', 2.5l 5 speed: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...375#post698375
            1985 Town Car, 'Faded Glory', gone but not forgotten. 84/87/91/97 MGMs too.

            Comment

              #7
              If the rad is good other then the crack on the tank, find a rad shop and see what they want to replace the tank. Half assing them with crap like plastic weld won't hold.
              1990 LTD Crown Vic w/ dead 5.0
              1984 Pontiac 6000 cammed 2.5L Iron Duke
              1986 F-150 300 6cyl 5spd.
              1994 Crown Vic... Free, bad trans?

              Comment

                #8
                considering the labor charges... it would cost less to get a new radiator than let them touch the car. one hour at $80 minimum plus parts with 50% markup. I'll try the plastic weld epoxy anyhow and get back to you on the results. I plan on cleaning the area thoroughly and using the dremel to polish the plastic just a touch to better accept the epoxy (make sure ALL dirt/grime/etc is removed).

                I rig things, I never half ass the riggin though.

                And considering the complete lack of time I spend driving this car any more, I don't see the harm in trying the $4 fix before taking the $100 plunge on a new radiator.

                oh, and I did find the epoxy I was looking for. It's actually the Devcon version of the permatex epoxy. same hold rating and all. I've used this stuff to fix plastic exterior door handles before and never had any trouble with the epoxy failing. It's usually the plastic that it bonds to failing further (hence the plan to put a metal strap over the affected area since the epoxy bonds to metal as well). I will post the temp cycle results in this thread as best as I can since I have no temp gauge on this car. I'm only looking for a few months or so out of this patch. The radiator will be replaced eventually.
                Last edited by sly; 06-17-2010, 10:36 PM.

                Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
                rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)

                Originally posted by gadget73
                ... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.

                Originally posted by dmccaig
                Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.

                Comment

                  #9
                  new plan. new radiator. period. The crack is MUCH larger than I originally thought. amazing what an LED flashlight will show you.



                  Guess I get to order more parts from Rock Auto (much better deal than getting them from the local stores AND the same stuff).
                  Attached Files

                  Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
                  rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)

                  Originally posted by gadget73
                  ... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.

                  Originally posted by dmccaig
                  Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.

                  Comment

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