Well today my radiator decided to blow out. It blew the seam on the upper tank.

Luckily, it was after I shut it off and parked it. And I was able to have a buddy pull me home. And luckily it didn't do it Saturday when I was out in the desert off roading 50miles from home.

I wasn't too surprised. I had wondered if it was going to or not. It's not that bad of a blowout really. I think I can fix it. Then I'll pressure test it up to 20psi or whatever and see if it holds.

 

By the way, which way does the coolant flow?
I always thought it came out of the engine through the thermostat, entered the radiator through the upper hose, flowed down through the radiator and out the lower hose back to the water pump.

 

Yup, top to bottom. At least, on Fords of that era. Who knows what they are doing today.

Planning on pulling my rad, new hoses all around, flush, etc. it was "rodded" a while back when I had it repaired. Are you running a 7 pound cap?

 

I've got a 13lb lever vent cap. After removal and inspection I've decided that my best bet is to take it down to the radiator shop and have them rod it out and fix it up. It's a little cruddy inside.

 

don't know what repair will cost but GOOD TIME TO UPGRADE TO AN ALUMINUM , I'VE SEEN 3 CORE UNDER $200

 

Hmm. If I can find a 3 or 4 core one that cheap then I might. Any idea where to get one? AND ACTUALLY, copper/ brass is a better conductor than aluminum, from what I've been reading.

 

check Ebay for champion brand

 

Think aluminum dissipates heat quicker but brass cools better. Either one would meet your needs.

 

I'm just gonna pay and get mine fixed.

 

I'm wanting to have mine rebuilt but if there's an aluminum one out there that anyone knows about that fits up just fine, I'd at least consider it.

 

The last stocker brass version I bought for my '67 was only $150 at local radiator shop. I was really surprised they even had it in stock. Pretty sure it was only 2 core, but for Ohio that is fine.

Alum is nice, but likely won't find a "bolt in" version. Must of the cheap ones are universal and will take some fab'n to bolt in.

 

I think I'd be okay with simply having mine rebuilt. It's just a little rusty in there is all. Nothing major. I'll do a vinegar flush when the weather warms up.

 

Mine is a 2 core. That's my only concern. But it always ran cool enough in the past.

 

Mine hardly ever sees any payload so I'm okay with just a two core.

 

I just had my brass rad re-done. Cost me $20 more than an aluminum and plastic one, but I know it fits correctly. I had bought an aluminum rad from the local parts store and it bolted up fine but the lower outlet was too small. Included with it was a rubber sleeve to go between the outlet and hose. I couldn't return it to the store quickly enough! After checking all the other stores in the area turns out they are all like that. Decided to have the original rebuilt, been real happy with it so far, hope it works out well for you too.