Radiator...

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Aug 5, 2011 | 02:16 PM

1andonlywhitie

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Senior User

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 115

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From: Allen, Texas

Radiator...

Alright... so my stock radiator isn't cooling and now it's developed a nice little leak...

I need a new one. But I sure as hell can't afford a replacement. I seem to recall seeing someone on here using a radiator from a later F-Series that was infinitely cheaper. I can get new fitting put on for the hoses themselves but the core is killing me... it's for a 239 flathead V8.

Please help guys... I'm rapidly running out of patience (and money) for this damn truck...

Aug 5, 2011 | 02:30 PM

MCarlson

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 299

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From: Mt. Home, ID

I only had to redrill two holes in the flange to mount 69-70 302 radiator in mine. Of course, I'm running a 302. I don't have any experience with flatheads so I don't have a clue what you'd do about hoses. I'm also running an electric fan, so I didn't have to worry about clearance in front of the engine. Have you looked into just having yours rebuilt at a radiator shop? It's been awhile, but I've had an older one taken apart, rodded out and rebuilt for less than $100.
Mike

Aug 5, 2011 | 05:22 PM

tinman52

Welder User

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 5,269

Likes: 50

From: northwest MT

Your old rad probably just needs to be cleaned and have the leak fixed....do you have a radiator repair shop near you?

Since the flatty requires 4 hoses, any other rad will have to be modified for extra inlets and for correct mounts...
It may be easier to have the old one repaired. I had mine cleaned, repaired a small tank leak, and flow tested for less than $100. Works just fine.......

Aug 6, 2011 | 03:07 PM

Doc

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 4,965

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From: East KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andonlywhitie

Please help guys... I'm rapidly running out of patience (and money) for this damn truck...

As I recall, you showed up with a really nice truck not very long ago. Probably one of the nicest ones here. Have patience. Tinkering with and fixing these old things is just as much a part of the hobby as driving them.

I agree with tinman. Much easier to fix what you have or get the same radiator back considering the setup. You sure you're not just seeing something like a stuck thermostat and the leak is actually antifreeze coming out the overfill tube? Its awful hot outside.

Aug 6, 2011 | 03:35 PM

ibuzzard

See A Man About A Horse

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 4,935

Likes: 699

From: Mariposa, Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaindoc

As I recall, you showed up with a really nice truck not very long ago. Probably one of the nicest ones here. Have patience.

Agreed, have patience, Grasshopper.

I was given an extra 4-row "desert cooler" radiator as a throw-in, when I bought a radiator shroud for my Y-block.I had it re-cored,and put it in my parts stash.When a leak occurs,as it has twice now in the last 8 years,I remove the one and install the other.The leak gets repaired immediately,then the repaired one goes back into stock.

This way of being prepared has enabled me to continue daily-driving my truck for about 12 years now.I'm not often caught napping,and am usually back on the road quickly.Ebay is your friend.I know what the "usual and customary charges" are for most parts,and stock up on them when great deals are available.Daily monitoring of Ebay,and help from fellow members, namely NumberDummy, has been my salvation many times.

Aug 6, 2011 | 04:36 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,298

Likes: 1,059

From: NM

The usual problem with flat V8's is that the engine itself is full of mud. The engine tilts to the rear, but there are no drains at the rear of the block. Mud and rust build up back there and it's hard to get out. You really need to flush the passages repeatedly to get it out. Use some good chemical cleaner, drive around a little with it in there, flush, flush, and flush again. I have a totally stock radiator, with all the shrouds and deflectors in place, and never have a problem even when it's close to 100 and I'm stuck in slow traffic.

+1 on the repair of your radiator vs replacement, have them thoroughly rod it out and chemically clean it too.

Aug 6, 2011 | 05:35 PM

spurredon

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 32,028

Likes: 2,427

From: Upstate NY

What you go thru keeping these trucks running is what makes the miles you drive so sweet!

My radiator guy I use to have tole me that when they stop cooling efficiently, the pressure builds and the leaks start. Is yours leaking in the tank seams or in the core?