I may be stating the obvious, but your truck is just as complex an organism as you are. Many major and minor components interact with one another and make the machine work. Displace an element, and all may go sideways in no time.
What do you know about the truck radiator? Surely, even if you are not into the mechanics, you know it well that the main aim is to cool the engine down. That is a significant function since an overheated truck can stop functioning just like that, and the cost of the caused damage may reach unimaginable heights. Whether it’s the best radiator for Powerstroke engines or any other – the aim remains the same.
Your truck is a ride that can take you almost anywhere, so it’s only natural to try and push its limits. However, over a few years of close to reckless exploitation, the truck’s internals may start to give up. The overheated radiator is a lot more common than you imagine. The radiator’s core will be covered in countless micro holes and barely-there cracks due to increased loads on it. That fact that you can’t spot them with a naked eye doesn’t mean they won’t affect the component’s operation.
How do you determine that the radiator is misfunctioning?
Some of you may say that it’s hard to spot any part of the truck misfunctioning if you are not into mechanics yourself. However, should your radiator start leaking – you will notice it. Few main reasons lead to the damage – clogged tubes and punctured body of the radiator. If you notice any other than water puddles under the truck where the radiator may be – you have the answer to your question. Leaving the issue unattended may end up in you being stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere since the overheated ride will refuse to go any further.
Main ways of dealing with a leaking radiator
Various thoughts are circulating in the truck owners’ community. When the leak is spotted, some may continue to exploit the radiator until it breaks down entirely. You should realize that you will need to replace more items under the hood in such a case than just the radiator.
Other drivers choose to patch the holes and cracks up and continue cruising. I will tell you from my own experience what I see as the fittest option in the leaking radiator situation. Some time ago, I spotted a radiator liquid puddle under my 2008 Ford F-250 Powerstroke 6.4. I wasn’t experienced with truck repair and operation at that time, so I chose to refer to the professional radiator repair service.
The first time they poured some special fluid that is supposed to seal the holes. However, after some time, the issue reoccurred, and the service offered to weld my rugged radiator. It doesn’t take a genius to guess that the second repair was only temporary. What I got as a result – time spent on visiting the service twice, my pocket became a $250 lighter. At the same time, a brand-new radiator for my ride was around $350-500 – which I ended up buying anyway.
So, my point is, if you are a dedicated off-roader, explorer, or you like to test your ride with any opportunity that you see fit, a leaking radiator is an inevitable issue to face at one time or another. The critical point here lies in the fact how you choose to deal with the matter. It’s essential to understand that once you patch up one hole and continue to drive around just the usual – another will open up, and the action can continue for a long while.
If you can afford to spend a couple of hundreds each time you visit the repair service – that’s your business. However, you can pay a couple over and spend the next 10-15 years without thinking about your radiator. The choice is yours, but I strongly recommend the latter option.
