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  •  » Minor set back today

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    2/16/2025 6:36 PM  #1

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,777

    Minor set back today

    After adding more coolant to the radiator I discovered a leak.  I must have damaged it somewhere along the line putting it in and out of the mustang.  Kind of ruined my day but I did get a lot of small stuff done.   I'm so close to getting this thing done.  Ugh


     

    2/16/2025 8:36 PM  #2

    Rufus68
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Knoxville, TN
    Registered: 4/26/2017
    Posts: 902

    Re: Minor set back today

    The fins are just heat sinks, right?  I don't see damage to the tubes in the photo.  Have you located the leak?

    1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     

    2/17/2025 1:34 AM  #3

    Ron68
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    From: Mukilteo, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,597

    Re: Minor set back today

    Can you clean that off and put a couple of psi on the radiator so see if that is in fact the leak location? That is a bummer for sure. Hope you can get a quick fix.

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    2/17/2025 4:48 AM  #4

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: Minor set back today

    My eyes aren't that great but I think there is a small crack in that location.   I' think I have a pressure tester, I'll have to look.

       •Thread Starter
     

    2/23/2025 6:16 PM  #5

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: Minor set back today

    Not only did the radiator leak, so did the timing cover.  I redid the timing and water pump gaskets this weekend.   


       •Thread Starter
     

    2/24/2025 7:12 AM  #6

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,693

    Re: Minor set back today

    That is annoying however, don't get discouraged. 

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    2/24/2025 7:51 AM  #7

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,892

    Re: Minor set back today

    Way better to find this stuff now, rather than five miles into the maiden voyage.  We all done been there.

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    2/24/2025 9:12 AM  #8

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: Minor set back today

    Saturday I wanted to toss in the towel.  Sunday was a much better day.  Lol

       •Thread Starter
     

    2/24/2025 11:58 AM  #9

    rpm
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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,680

    Re: Minor set back today

    RTM wrote:

    Saturday I wanted to toss in the towel.  Sunday was a much better day.  Lol

     
    Typical day in the life of us hot rodders

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    2/24/2025 12:11 PM  #10

    Nos681
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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
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    Re: Minor set back today

    rpm wrote:

    RTM wrote:

    Saturday I wanted to toss in the towel.  Sunday was a much better day.  Lol

     
    Typical day in the life of us hot rodders

     
    If it is not leaking, I might be worried. 😁

    Ford could have designed this better.

     

    2/24/2025 4:27 PM  #11

    Bolted to Floor
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    From: Houston, Texas
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 2,021

    Re: Minor set back today

    It happens, don't let it get you down. 

    I poured brake fluid in the car for the first time and all seemed good. There was a puddle under it the next day. One of the flares I made wasn't good enough. 

    John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
     

    2/24/2025 6:08 PM  #12

    kardad
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Lexington Ky
    Registered: 12/03/2019
    Posts: 306

    Re: Minor set back today

    My worst was the first motor swap for my 68 was just a stock rebuild on a 289. I ran it in a test stand and all was good. Put it in the car and fired it, sounded great, ran wonderfully.

    I look underneath and oil is pouring out near the oil sending sensor.

    The block actually cracked/split at the sending unit boss.

    The later 302 blocks that boss area is squared off but on the 289 it was rounded. I believe ford changed it to strengthen.


    Your project look fantastic, keep going, big payoff in the end.

     

    2/27/2025 4:52 AM  #13

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: Minor set back today

    kardad wrote:

    My worst was the first motor swap for my 68 was just a stock rebuild on a 289. I ran it in a test stand and all was good. Put it in the car and fired it, sounded great, ran wonderfully.

    I look underneath and oil is pouring out near the oil sending sensor.

    The block actually cracked/split at the sending unit boss.

    The later 302 blocks that boss area is squared off but on the 289 it was rounded. I believe ford changed it to strengthen.


    Your project look fantastic, keep going, big payoff in the end.

     
    That's a set back.  Wow

    The radiator is done but fell like I got taken.  $159 for a small sure does feel like a lot. Hopefully I can pick it up today and install it tonight.  Then pray I have no more leaks.

       •Thread Starter
     

    2/27/2025 11:46 AM  #14

    6sally6
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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,884

    Re: Minor set back today

    I just checked the prices of radiators !!!!!!!!
    IF it doesn't leak....you-done-good (MAN!!)
    6sally6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    2/27/2025 5:56 PM  #15

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,777

    Re: Minor set back today

    6sally6 wrote:

    I just checked the prices of radiators !!!!!!!!
    IF it doesn't leak....you-done-good (MAN!!)
    6sally6

     
    Well that eases my pain a little.  lol

    I didn't get it installed tonight.  Maybe tomorrow night.  If not Saturday for sure.

       •Thread Starter
     

     

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