FYI FORD MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum / Minor set back today

**Posted by RTM** 2/16/2025 6:36 PM

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

**Posted by Rufus68** 2/16/2025 8:36 PM

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

**Posted by Ron68** 2/17/2025 1:34 AM

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.

**Posted by RTM** 2/17/2025 4:48 AM

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.

**Posted by RTM** 2/23/2025 6:16 PM

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

**Posted by BobE** 2/24/2025 7:12 AM

That is annoying however, don't get discouraged.

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 2/24/2025 7:51 AM

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

**Posted by RTM** 2/24/2025 9:12 AM

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

**Posted by rpm** **Online!** 2/24/2025 11:58 AM

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

**Posted by Nos681** 2/24/2025 12:11 PM

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.

**Posted by Bolted to Floor** 2/24/2025 4:27 PM

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.

**Posted by kardad** 2/24/2025 6:08 PM

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.

**Posted by RTM** 2/27/2025 4:52 AM

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.

**Posted by 6sally6** 2/27/2025 11:46 AM

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

**Posted by RTM** 2/27/2025 5:56 PM

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.