justwondering
Member
1997 XLT Ford 350 Powerstroke with 357,000 miles
Today on my backhaul drive the truck overheated. Idiot light came on as all the steam escaped. I pulled to the side of the road.
The plastic radiator (original to the truck per the previous owner) had a developed a 6 inch hairline crack across the top of the radiator (left to right-- NOT front to back).
A trip to town for jbweld for plastics, carb cleaner, water and fluid. Used the carb cleaner and thoroughly cleaned the top of the radiator. Mixed the two-part liquid epoxy on a flattened beer can from the bar ditch. Dribbled the epoxy across the crack.
Waited 15 minutes, poured in water and antifreeze. Got it 12 miles into town with no problems. Thermostat seemed to be working fine. Took it another 25 miles to home. No problems.
Next step is to get a final solution.
Do I go with a similar plastic radiator or move up to an all metal? Is this something I could do or should I find a rad shop?
I haul 10 to 12 thousand pounds of rock once a week. Have access to another 1 ton truck if needed while mine is being fixed.
Any recommendations?
Today on my backhaul drive the truck overheated. Idiot light came on as all the steam escaped. I pulled to the side of the road.
The plastic radiator (original to the truck per the previous owner) had a developed a 6 inch hairline crack across the top of the radiator (left to right-- NOT front to back).
A trip to town for jbweld for plastics, carb cleaner, water and fluid. Used the carb cleaner and thoroughly cleaned the top of the radiator. Mixed the two-part liquid epoxy on a flattened beer can from the bar ditch. Dribbled the epoxy across the crack.
Waited 15 minutes, poured in water and antifreeze. Got it 12 miles into town with no problems. Thermostat seemed to be working fine. Took it another 25 miles to home. No problems.
Next step is to get a final solution.
Do I go with a similar plastic radiator or move up to an all metal? Is this something I could do or should I find a rad shop?
I haul 10 to 12 thousand pounds of rock once a week. Have access to another 1 ton truck if needed while mine is being fixed.
Any recommendations?