1996 Windstar radiator

Got a leak in the radiator and am debating about removing it and having it repaired or trying the stop leak. After talking with some friends I have heard I need special tools to remove the atf cooling lines that connect to the radiator, removing the headlight assemblies and other items in the way as well. Anyone ever removed one of these beasts, and if so what can I look forward too? Any reply is appreciated.

Yes is the answer to your questions.
They give instructions on this repair at http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1d/33/9b/0900823d801d339b.jsp

If that link does NOT work, go to www.autozone.com then select repair info. vehicle specific repair guides, select FORD TRUCK, and then windstar......
Select engine repair & overhaul

I would consider a new radiator if I was going to do all that work of removing and installing. I am a faithfull user of Bar's Stop Leak. But I would replace the radiator if it is leaking. I like the Stop Leak for very slight leaks....more of a seepage.
Ford list price for a new radiator is $297.25.....and these folks at Millennium Ford have a web price of $231.85
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214072

www.rockauto.com has some after market radiators listed for less.

Thanks for the reply. I have seen the autozone tutorial and am concerned about the tool to remove the atf cooler lines. Does autozone lend these out or do they need to be purchased. Put in a can of Bars stop leak last night. Will try that first.

:licka: Yes is the answer to your questions.
They give instructions on this repair at http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1d/33/9b/0900823d801d339b.jsp

If that link does NOT work, go to www.autozone.com then select repair info. vehicle specific repair guides, select FORD TRUCK, and then windstar......
Select engine repair & overhaul

I would consider a new radiator if I was going to do all that work of removing and installing. I am a faithfull user of Bar's Stop Leak. But I would replace the radiator if it is leaking. I like the Stop Leak for very slight leaks....more of a seepage.
Ford list price for a new radiator is $297.25.....and these folks at Millennium Ford have a web price of $231.85
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214072

www.rockauto.com has some after market radiators listed for less.

Hello

If you're going to keep the van for a while, I would go with the Ford rad. I just have a feeling the the aftermarkets will not cool as well. IMHO.

Regards


Dan

Hi
I have a '96 too and a factory manual. The tranny lines can be disconnected by removing the retainer clip, and then inserting a fuel line disconnect tool. I have a set that look exactly like these: http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/lis37000.html.

I have used them mostly for A/C work as they can open the A/C lines if you have to do A/C work - Ford has a "proper" garter spring disconnect tool for A/c fittings (http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1471) but I have used this set and changed out A/C components and lines.

Got a question. I have put Bars stop leak in the radiator and it seems to be holding. Started running a liitle hotter than normal, but not in the red zone of the gage. Changed thermostat. Same problem, it will run a little hot on the gage then drop down to normal. If it sits for a while it does the same thing. What could it be? Is it poosible that it has a air pocket and the system is not totally full? It seems like the overflow reservoir is fuller than normal when this happens. Any help is appreciated.