Hey all;

I just found a 6- inch crack in the top of the radiator on my 5-speed 96' F250 radiator.

At the same time, I noticed some cracks on both sides of the support rail in front of the radiator. I was browsing online and it seems that flex in the truck can cause problems, even in newer trucks. My old BMW's have the same cracks in the forward support rail, and they have been driven on race tracks, they have stiff suspension, beefy sway bars, which is attributed to the same way I drive my truck on twisty highways and even mountain rocky roads, often carrying heavy loads of firewood.

So my question is: what aftermarket radiators are you guys running? Napa and o'reileys are carrying aftermarket plastic radiators for $240. however, they come with a transmission oil cooler, which I do not need since I have a 5-speed manual. they apparently do not offer anything but the one with the oil cooler.

I saw full aluminum radiators from Mishimoto for $299. Ford 7.3L Powerstroke Aluminum Radiator, 1995-1997, by Mishimoto
Should i spend a few extra bucks and get the aluminum radiator? anyone using this? is it good quality, direct fit?

Thanks

Trevor

 

Thats a good one IIRC.
Should be a 3 core aluminum that is a direct fit.

I spent time getting a new brass top for mine.
I sort of wish i went that route, they cool better despite being a 3 core over a 4 core.
They are more efficiently made.
My truck runs pretty hot down the highway.

 

I have seen a few threads on these mishimoto's. From what I have read it looks like people like them...

I am debating going that route too.

 

Well i ordered the Mishimoto. $340 with shipping and tax... I will post up when it is installed.

 

You can get a Mishimoto for 230ish on amazon and shipped for free as a prime member... you cant beat that all things considered...unless you are a SD owner..they are over 800 ;-0

The core support in the obs 7.3 is almost always cracked. You can weld it up but typically they will re-crack in the heat affected done. I can not recall ever seeing one not cracked....

Link to radiator:

 

My core support isn't cracked...I guess I'm just lucky

 

Here are your options;

1. Mishimoto
2. Mishimoto
3. Mishimoto

 

My mishi just got ordered...

 

I put an aluminum performance radiator brand in mine a couple years ago. It had the Trans oil cooler built in too. But the guys on here said it shouldn't affect anything and just leave them plugged off. Mishimoto is a good brand.

 

I thought that price was cheap.
Mishimoto Aluminum Performance Radiator 95-97 7.3L Ford Powerstroke

 

So I just finished installing the radiator- perfect fit, no problems, looks great too.

When I pulled the old radiator, I found huge amounts of dirt clogged into nearly the entire radiator!!! the A/C condenser was totally clean, but somehow the dirt clogged between the condenser and radiator. it's a wonder it was getting any cooling at all!


Those of you who runs your trucks pretty hard- i would take a look at your radiator, unfortunately the only way to clean it out properly is to pull the radiator out.

 

 

Actually there is an acid solution that HVAC guys use to clean heat pumps and the like that foam when sprayed on the fins and expands pushing the dirt out... real nasty stuff...but it works and washes away with a garden hose..

 

Now I see why my tractor has a screen that slides into a slot in front of the radiator. Wish our trucks had something like that....

 

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