How long are Radiators supposed to last?
- Thread starter geebauer
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
Probably 10-15 yrs. on average..., depending on care & quality..., sometimes longer.
What exactly failed on yours..?? (overheating, leaks?)
What exactly failed on yours..?? (overheating, leaks?)
Last edited by a moderator:
yo, Since we bought our 96 new, have replaced radiator (NAPA) twice, last on 7 JAN 2010
Have followed Severe Duty Maintenance Schedule faithfully w/ coolant flushes/swaps and pressure tests.
Follow the Severe Duty Schedule if your driving
habits FREQUENTLY include one or more of the
following conditions:
Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load.
Operating in severe dust conditions.
Extensive idling, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery service.
Snowplowing
Off-Road operation
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km)
when outside temperatures remain below 0°F
Severe Duty Maintenance Schedule:
Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps; and check coolant strength every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Have followed Severe Duty Maintenance Schedule faithfully w/ coolant flushes/swaps and pressure tests.
Follow the Severe Duty Schedule if your driving
habits FREQUENTLY include one or more of the
following conditions:
Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load.
Operating in severe dust conditions.
Extensive idling, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery service.
Snowplowing
Off-Road operation
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km)
when outside temperatures remain below 0°F
Severe Duty Maintenance Schedule:
Inspect engine cooling system, hoses, and clamps; and check coolant strength every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Last edited by a moderator:
Both times I had a crack at the bottom of the radiator that progressively got worse and worse. I could get by for a while by just filling it up with water/coolant from time to time, but the leak eventually got too bad to hold anything and I had to just get the replacement. I guess I just need to be more on top of the preventitive maintenance. Thanks to all who replied.
yo G,
Despite my **** maint, I still see some parts failing that never seemed to fail as soon as they are now on many vehicles.
If you don't have the Ford Maintenance Schedule for your 95, use:
95 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual by Ford
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WSSJ/~MUS~LEN/20/SSJMAIN.HTM
see
Section 00-03:
Maintenance and Lubrication
Despite my **** maint, I still see some parts failing that never seemed to fail as soon as they are now on many vehicles.
If you don't have the Ford Maintenance Schedule for your 95, use:
95 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual by Ford
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WSSJ/~MUS~LEN/20/SSJMAIN.HTM
see
Section 00-03:
Maintenance and Lubrication
Last edited by a moderator:
BMAD01
Member
Geeb,, I have an 88 Bronco 302ci. Within the last year and a half I have replaced the complete cooling system on it. The radiator was last spring. The heater core and water pump, and thermosat were done before that. Everything was replaced with "lifetime warranty" parts from the local parts stores. I thought I was golden until I came out of the store about a month ago and saw antifreeze dripping under MY truck!! Further investigation showed that the timing chain cover had developed a hairline crack that would leak once the motor warmed up. Back to the mechanic this time! This rig just turned 175,000mi, so I had him replace the timing chain and gears along with the cover. So far I'm back to a watertight rig and feeling confident about it. But I always glance at all my dash guages, can't help it. I pulled the glovebox out and have all the reciepts for the cooling system parts taped to the cover of the heater core in case things get ugly again. The manufacturers are counting on people buying new vehicles these days as always and are not happy with people that actually drive a 26yr old vehicle! Spend a couple extra bucks and get "lifetime warranty" parts for your Bronco. You'll be a lot happier in the long run. Good luck, Brian
