Radiator leak

[spoman]

I was doing some work on carb today when i noticed a leak on the top of the radiator near one of the support posts. It looks like a previous patch has failed. I'm going to see if i can get some plastic weld to repatch it. Anybody have any suggestions?

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[MTBOX]

Replace radiator.

[spoman]

Anybody ever use Quiksteel plastic epoxy putty to repair a radiator?

MTBOX, I'm looking at getting a replacement radiator as a last resort. At $80+, it's not a bad investment, but I'm willing to try a patch first.

[Paul39]

Something to read:

https://www.google.com/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=a0df57acf717ad89&q=repair+cracked+plastic+radiator+tank

I have repaired a cracked car battery with a soldering iron. I used a plastic cap from a milk jug for filler material.

Recently on this forum someone suggested an on line company that had Festiva radiators for about $57.

Paul

[jason_]

I've melted lots of plastic together with an iron. It does work.

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[Spike]

Also, check eBay for the $60-ish one they have (free shipping - Radiator Classic). It's for an auto, but works just fine. Just don't connect the trans cooler lines.

It's a quality radiator, I've been using one for over 10k miles.

-Joe

[Spike]

^^^^Here it is:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-1-Row-w-o-EOC-w-TOC-Replacement-Radiator-For-1-3-L4-GAS-/290961992665?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AFord%7CModel%3AFestiva&hash=item43beafabd9&vxp=mtr

[spoman]

Well it looks like i'll have to replace the radiator. The support must've broken at some point and someone patched it back on with epoxy putty. When i started removing the old patch the post literally came off.

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[spoman]

Spike, does yours have a place for the temperature sensor pictured below. I can't seem to find it on the ebay item.

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[spoman]

Kinda having trouble finding a replacement radiator with a sensor hole. Is there a work around I can do?

[kingstonpygmies]

Maybe something like this would be an option. This is what I'm going to you for an aftermarket gauge. Might work on stock unit too.

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?n...d=111049247833 from Kingston Ga from my hillbilly handheld

[lessersivad]

Kinda having trouble finding a replacement radiator with a sensor hole. Is there a work around I can do?

I had the same issue when I replaced the radiator in my '89 automatic/EFI.

I finally decided to simply bypass/eliminate the switch. The plug for the sender/sensor is simply not hooked to anything but air....LOL.

I haven't notice any difference in the way it runs or drives.

[Paul39]

The used replacement radiator I got had the sensor hole on the side. The original radiator on my 89 had the sensor on the bottom. That sensor turns on the electric radiator fan. If you keep the car moving mostly and watch the temperature, you will be fine. Or you could run a couple of wires to a switch if you do stop and go traffic in the heat.

Paul

[drddan]

Anybody ever use Quiksteel plastic epoxy putty to repair a radiator?

MTBOX, I'm looking at getting a replacement radiator as a last resort. At $80+, it's not a bad investment, but I'm willing to try a patch first.

I have used it, not on a radiator, but on a 2001 Mazda (ford ranger) oil pan, that a corner of the gasket had been pushed in. As long as you get it CLEAN! before applying it. I used LOTS of laquer thinner, and sanded the whole area with sandpaper and metal polishing scotchbrite, then LOTS more laquer thinner. It worked super good on the oil pan.

The used replacement radiator I got had the sensor hole on the side. The original radiator on my 89 had the sensor on the bottom. That sensor turns on the electric radiator fan. If you keep the car moving mostly and watch the temperature, you will be fine. Or you could run a couple of wires to a switch if you do stop and go traffic in the heat.

Paul

The sensor is not really needed. It does not control the fan! I was the one that originally posted the $57 rad from "Radiator Classic" It does not have the sensor. I just taped up the wires since they werent going to be used.
It is a universal for both automatic and mtx trannys.The steel tubes for the auto trans fluid can be taken off and thrown away.
I have this rad in my festy and no sensor and the fan turns on and off like it should. There are 2 sensors for the coolant. One on rad, one on engine, and that is the one that controls fan operation.

If your fan is not kicking on, you need to replace the sensor on the engine.

[Paul39]

I have this rad in my festy and no sensor and the fan turns on and off like it should. There are 2 sensors for the coolant. One on rad, one on engine, and that is the one that controls fan operation.

If your fan is not kicking on, you need to replace the sensor on the engine.

Thanks for posting the "Radiator Classic" I will need another one shortly.

The fan on my new to me White Festy ran all the time the ignition was on, so I pulled one of the wires off the sensor on the radiator. It shut off the fan. I replaced the sensor with a used one I had, let it idle until it got warm, and the fan came on.

I assumed that was the fan switch.

Paul