FFR Radiator Leaking after 3 months (FFR did the right thing!)

[Ted G]

Well, after about three months since my "graduation", I have my first issue. I noticed a little coolant leak near the radiator... At first, I thought is was the radiator hose as the clamp seemed to be possibly pinching into the rubber hose. After replacing the hose and adding these Gates heat shrink clamps (which I love btw), the leak continued. After putting the car up on jackstands and doing a deeper search into where the problem was, I found it is actually the radiator itself. I vaguely remember that FFR had some supply issues on radiators during the COVID time and they possibly sourced from a different vendor likely from China.

Attached are two pictures of the leak on the passenger side, looks like the leak is coming from where the rows connect with the end tank. I also have a leak on the driver side but was much harder to get a picture. I am going to call FFR to see if they will warranty it or not. I don't even know if there are any more shops that do radiator repairs.

I feel fortunate that I utilized Breeze's radiator mount as this will ease in the replacement/repair of this radiator. On another side note, I will probably replace the fan motor as I feel the FFR supplied fan is a bit too loud. Also thinking about changing the temperature on of the fan from 185 to 190 or 195. My coolant rarely gets above 190 degrees. I am running a 427 stroker.

Any suggestions on replacement or experience with this problem will be greatly appreciated.

192211 192212

[Mike.Bray]

Check out this fan (https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/fans-electric?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=105390), moves more air and a LOT quieter.

[Ted G]

Check out this fan (https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/fans-electric?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=105390), moves more air and a LOT quieter.

Hey Mike. Yes, I've heard about that fan and I'm pretty sure that is what FMan is running.

[Sdonnel]

Michimoto makes a radiator and fan that fit perfectly. Cools like crazy and the fans are quiet as well. Lifetime warranty. I also used the breeze upper mount. No problems. MMRAD-MUS-79A & MMFS-MUS-79

[Ted G]

I emailed Dave L at FFR and he responded right away! He forwarded my email to one of the techs to see what they can do. More to come but I am happy I got a quick response from Dave L.

[magicmarto]

I had the same issue too. Mine was on the driver's side lower hose inlet weld that went bad. It was a pin hole in the aluminum weld. Tried to have it fixed....twice with no luck. The shop said it was a weird aluminum alloy.....not pure. So I had to purchase a new one. Put that radiator in and out 3 times....what fun. Let me know if you have any questions on the removal and replacement. PM me.

[Ted G]

I had the same issue too. Mine was on the driver's side lower hose inlet weld that went bad. It was a pin hole in the aluminum weld. Tried to have it fixed....twice with no luck. The shop said it was a weird aluminum alloy.....not pure. So I had to purchase a new one. Put that radiator in and out 3 times....what fun. Let me know if you have any questions on the removal and replacement. PM me.

Thanks Magicmarto, I will reach out if needed for sure. I actually have two leaks, the one pictured on the passenger side and another on the driver side. The driver side is leaking more, but hard to picture since it is running down the front of the radiator. Did you buy a new one from FFR?

Ted

[Mark Reynolds]

Might sound hokey but a pinch or two of radiator stop leak has a chance of solving your problem.

[rich grsc]

Like Mark Says, try this while you wait.
192308

[Hoooper]

Before you replace it test for electrolysis so you dont end up with the same issue on the replacement rad

[toadster]

Before you replace it test for electrolysis so you dont end up with the same issue on the replacement rad

good call, I've known a few folks who have experienced this... not fun, but not hard to test

https://www.northernradiator.com/knowledge/Electrolysis

[David Williamson]

I added an extra ground wire from the rad to the frame just in case
David W

[Railroad]

If the hose is leaking, you will get similar visuals on the rad.

[magicmarto]

Yeah, I bought the FFR one.....5000 miles since and no issues.

[Ted G]

Thanks for the input everyone. The leak is 100% the radiator and my voltage in the coolant is .04 to .08 so it's not electrolysis. I checked it with battery off, ignition on, upon start and while running with all electrical switches on... stayed the same.

Spoke with Dave L and Dan Golub at FFR and sent them detailed pictures and assured them there was no electrolysis. They are sending me a new radiator. That is customer service!! Thank you FFR

Ted

[Tom Welch]

I'm on my 3rd radiator from FF5. The first 2 have leaked in the exact same spot as you have noted. There seems to be a quality issue with the manufacture, but FF5 has been very very good working with me with discounted replacements and warranty work. I cannot compliment them enough. The shops in my area will not work on aluminum radiators. They say the aluminum radiators are too brittle and will not guarantee the work and that aluminum conducts heat so fast when welding in one spot the heat can travel to nearby areas and melt or weaken them. Don't use stop leak products, while they may stop the leak they will also eventually clog up the entire radiator and cause overheating. If you have a heater, it will block that up as well.

One shop I trust offered to build a custom brass radiator that they would guarantee while I owned the car, but it would be about $600. if this last one leaks, I may have to go that way for simple peace of mind.