It is time for an overhaul to the cooling system for my 99 Ford Exp. XLT 4x4 with the tow package.

Can anyone point me to a source for a high quality, high capacity radiator?


I have found many 1 and 2-row radiators but no 4 row. I believe that the tow package added the 4 row radiator.

AlldataDIY only lists one radiator: Ford Part#XL2Z8005DA. But I think this is a 2-row radiator.

I am willing to pay for performance and longevity. If anyone has some advice, I'd love to hear it.

 

xxxxxxxxxx

 

Which one did you get? Do you think the quality is okay (is it comparable to the OE)?

They list several on Rockauto but I think the ACDelco is going to be the best quality yet it is almost double the price. Still, it is better than having to replace it in half the time.

It appears that I am wrong about the rows. There are only two rows on the radiator but they are twice as wide as most I've seen.

It is too bad my radiator is leaking at the joint between the aluminum ends and the plastic tanks. The tanks still look like they are in good shape. They usually crack or expand before the joint fails but not in my case.

 

I have removed the composite tanks from several ford ex radiators, resealed them.

2 that I presently still have are now >150K since refit with no leaks... another cracked the top tank >100k after reseal... Philip

 

Interesting. Maybe I'll try that.

I suppose a good silicone based automotive caulk will work to reseal. I know in order to take the tank off, I'll need to pry every one of those aluminum fingers back and then tap them back in place to make the seal. I rather doubt I'll be able to do it without breaking at least one finger off. And then I am not sure how well they'll exert even pressure to keep it sealed once I try to put it back.

If you know of a good technique, and product for a good seal, I'd be interested in hearing it. I suppose if it doesn't work, all I'll lose is time and a tube of sealant.

I might opt for the new radiator to save the time but thanks for the suggestion to try resealing them.

Dan

 

xxxxxxxxxx

 

xxxxxxxxxx

 

Where would one go to get the seal? Or do folks use a generic product?



Thanks for your input, caseys and aquanaut20. I might just consider the Spectrum Premium. Sounds like you are satisfied with their product.

Dan

 

Looks like the Spectrum Premium CU1824 is a 2-row radiator specifically for the 5.0L V8 (P).

For my '99 4.0L SOHC V6 (E), both Rockauto and SpectraPremium.com lists the CU2174, a 2-row radiator with different specifications.

Looks like the CU2137 us a single row radiator for the M/T pushrod V6 (X) and CU2310 for the A/T pushrod (X).

I did a little research on the web and there seems to be mixed reviews. Many people had stories of replacing them several times before they got one that didn't leak from one spot or another.

 

So I didn't really want to get a radiator through the mail due to our shipping services not being too gingerly with them boxes and radiators being a little more fragile than most items. So I bought a radiator from radiators.com and picked it up locally.

They say that CSF radiators are one of the highest quality radiators and have a lifetime warrantee. I opened up the box and it says it is only covered for two.

The warrantee card also requires a lot of inspection data after being installed.

I am concerned with the build quality of this CSF radiator. I haven't seen too many negative posts but the plastic is much thinner and appears to be more brittle due to a higher glass content. The aluminum is coated with a cold galvanization, but I have no idea why one would do this to aluminum.

Anyone have any insight to CSF?

Should I look for a different radiator?