Broken piece on radiator!

[RTR stroker]

Im hoping that it is an easy fix but idk. I need to get this fixed ASAP so thats why im posting it here. So i was installing my coolant filter got to the last part and BAM the adapter right above the upper radiater hose where the return line? goes to the degas bottle popped right off. i barely touch it, i guess the plastic was dry rotted or something. Im sure im not the only person this could have happened to just please let me know if theres a way to fix this or and i screwed and have to get a new radiator?

Thanks in advanced

[elm302]

Same thing happened to me I pulled the radiator found a brass fitting from Lowes I think 1/8 or 1/4 npt then I tapped the hole so the fitting screwed into it. Put some quick jb weld around it and never had another prob outta it. Hope this helps.

[RTR stroker]

yea thats helps..how did you drill and tap the top of the radiator without getting abunch of plastic shavings in the radiator? Im very much considering going to lowes tomorrow morning and try and take care of this.

[sinner6.0L]

That's about all you can do shy of replacing the rad. I can't remember what size the hose is, I think it's 3/8". You can take the hose with you and match the barb fitting to it.


I keep a couple fittings at work just for this, never broken one yet.

[dieselmatt]

Yes, the hose itself is 3/8". You are probably going to get shavings in the rad. no matter how you do it. However, you can use a good grease on the drill bit to try and grab as much as you can.

[RTR stroker]

Thanks for all the replys..you guys are awesome. I just need this solution to get by through this next weekend to get to and from hunt tests for my dog and to get some filtering done before a coolant flush/change. Then ill be getting a new rad since mine has a leak in it.(says ford stealership) I owe u guys one!

[elm302]

I had mine out so I just ran a bunch of water threw it

[RTR stroker]

ok, i got the fittings and such today im going to do a write up on it tomorrow so people will have something to refer to when it happens to them.

[kcoyner]

I did the same repair today. Worked like a champ. I noticed the broken piece had a smaller opening on the radiator side. I don't know if that's significant or not but I inserted the broken piece in right past the new fitting and clamped it off so the flow should be approximately equal to the stock configuration.

Thanks RTR!

kf