I have a 1999 Ford F150 5.4L. 170K miles. I have replaced the radiator 4 times in the last two years. I am going in for a fifth. (fortunately they warranty it all the time) Each time the radiator seems to crack in the same place. I have taken it to a NAPA certified repair service center to replace it each time. They have not repaired, but litterally replaced the radiator with a new one each time. I asked the manager and the tech if they had any ideas what could be causing this. I even question the integrety and reliability of the radiators they had installed. They assure me of the quality of the radiators and that they have not had this problem before. The OEM radiator lasted up to 100K.
Has anyone out there seen this before, or heard of this?
I am stumped

 

Didn't you post about this before?
I would be looking for bad front clip flexing problem.
A body shop should be able to check this out if you want to keep the truck a lot longer.

 

he could'nt have posted this before


new member....first post..but anyway..


welcome to the boards

do not be scared...we're here to help

yes it seems like a lack of support from the front end
like bluegrass typed...get the problem checked out...

do you see alot of space between the hood and the fenders from one side to the other? that will indicate "flex"

...zap!

 

yeah, what they said....

but also, it's always 'the same place' well what place is that exactly? Can you describe it or can you post a pic?

I'm thinking (in addition to what has already been said) of a bent mounting bracket or possibly of an incorrect part being used. According to Alldata (I love that site!) In 1994 Ford changed radiator styles and the new ones have 'cuts' in the top and bottom to "relieve thermal pressure". I'd post a pic and/or the full article here but don't want to get in trouble for plagerizing...

I'd say to look for just a small channel cut right in the top middle of the tanks. If it doesn't have it it might be the incorrect part and that might be the issue.



Radiator - New Manufacturing Process
Article No.
95-2-4
01/30/95

 

Yea, this is my first time. I have searched cyber-space high and low, but have not found anything related, so I thought I would give this a shot. I'm glad I did, you guys have been very helpful.
I will see if I can get pix.
I think it is in the top right (looking in from the front) just above the large hose (sorry I'm not sure what that is called)

Thanks, I will get is checked out.

 

What type of clamp are they using? Is it a hose type clamp that tightens by threading a bolt? If so it may be something as simple as overtightening the clamp. That is if it is cracking at or near the upper hoses nipple. Screw type clamps are "not" recommended for radiator purposes, simply for that exact reason they can easily be torqued to tight and cause the nipple junction to crack or weaken over time.

 

I am using OEM clamp

 

What color coolant are you using? It shoild be the green one.

JMC