I'll bet your right, the bottom hose connecting to the waterpump looked like it had been seeping for a while, rusty scaley which I guess also means it had pure water in it for a while. At least I have a solution now! Gonna try flush right now but I seriously doubt this will fix it. At least I didnt blow a head gasket or crack the head.

 

So flushing it with that Prestone stuff helped a little. Now I can drive around all day long if I have the heater on full blast. Found a radiator place that will sell me a brand new one for $144 (radiator repair shop wanted $125-135 to rod out the old one ) I think I'll throw in a new radiator and see what happens. New fan clutch wasnt coming on either, must be plugged in the middle.

 

Good price on the radiator, you won't regret spending the money. Hold off on the fan clutch at this time, I live in the Vegas Valley, it has to be 105+ before my clutch kicks in. Unmistakeable noise that the extra rush of air makes. Good luck and remember stop leak is for emergencies not final repairs. Prior owner should have another 1 inch taken off his Wee-Wee.

 

D'oh! I can't believe I didn't mention that!

 

Plastic tank and aluminum core. But... Put that puppy in and temperature wont come off the bottom line of normal cruising at 80MPH. Have to put a hotter thermostat back in it. I love this van, drives smooth and easy, the 4.9 is pretty strong too. Ford knows how to make work vehicles.

 

I think you meant to say Ford knows how to make vehicles you have to work on!!

Glad you got it fixed, also glad you didn't save $10 and get the radiator shop guys to "fix" it!