Radiator size??
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orcas Island Wa.
Radiator size??
I'm looking for a radiator that I can make fit into my '59 to work with this jr. cummins 6 I've installed. Someone offered me a rad from a 6.2 suburban. If I can make it fit, is there such thing as too big? The guy that installed the 6at in my gmc was really against any cutting on the truck so he ran a stock radiator. That coupled wih no room for a regular fan, just an electric pusher up front, has made the truck prone to overheating , mostly when pulling a trailer. Been careful not to overheat it, but it's often a constant stare at the gauge. I don't want to repeat this. I have room for the big stock cummins fan (maybe not the fluid coupling) and will run a shroud which I guess doesn't work on the pusher. I will be near some junkyards tomorrow so looking for info. Think a v8 fridge rad would cool this thing ? the v8 is a 292 cu in and the cummins is only 210. I'm not against modification to the truck if a bigger radiator is necessary. Just looking for advice from the diesel segment of FTE. Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Claremore, OK
Going to ask a couple of dumb questions...that are more or less "spit balled" thoughts.
*Might check to make sure the entire radiator core is flowing coolant and not that part of it is clogged/blocked by rust/dirt or other debri in the coolant.
*Is the thermostat actually opening fully at the right temp? I'd stick with a 190F thermostat since you need the heat to help burn the fuel.
*Is the water pump working to it's full ability? Any cavitation in the front cover behind the impeller?
*Maybe one of the radiator hoses is collapsing?
*Might check to make sure the entire radiator core is flowing coolant and not that part of it is clogged/blocked by rust/dirt or other debri in the coolant.
*Is the thermostat actually opening fully at the right temp? I'd stick with a 190F thermostat since you need the heat to help burn the fuel.
*Is the water pump working to it's full ability? Any cavitation in the front cover behind the impeller?
*Maybe one of the radiator hoses is collapsing?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Washington ,Mo.
The stock rad, for a 6.2 will work fine if it is in good shape.
I have a stock rad formy 75 ford that had a 460 it cools my 6.0 perkins diesels great has a electricfan.never has over heated.I have grossed 26000lb with truck and trailer.
Dale
I have a stock rad formy 75 ford that had a 460 it cools my 6.0 perkins diesels great has a electricfan.never has over heated.I have grossed 26000lb with truck and trailer.
Dale
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orcas Island Wa.
Thanks Guys,
As for the jimmy, it has a custom made 4 row radiator, but in stock size and mounting, new water pump and both thermostats are new too. It will run cool (170)for hours on a cool day with out a load. Get it going 60 on the freeway and add a 15' travel trailer and the temps climb to 220 or so. The electric pusher fan is pretty weak, but at speed that shouldn't matter. I have fired up the 6at in the new project '59 with an '83 f150 radiator and the big cummins fan and fluid coupling. This rad is max size I can cut out for when I put the front clip back on. Having run it at various fast idle speeds for two 1/2 hour sessions, I can't even feel heat in the radiator tanks. The engine doesnt seem too warm either. I'm gonna try hooking up the temp guage today and see what I have. Kid that works for me is bringing in a bushing this morning. I'm thinking the temp isnt up enough for the thermostats to open. Maybe this one is gonna be a cool runner.
As for the jimmy, it has a custom made 4 row radiator, but in stock size and mounting, new water pump and both thermostats are new too. It will run cool (170)for hours on a cool day with out a load. Get it going 60 on the freeway and add a 15' travel trailer and the temps climb to 220 or so. The electric pusher fan is pretty weak, but at speed that shouldn't matter. I have fired up the 6at in the new project '59 with an '83 f150 radiator and the big cummins fan and fluid coupling. This rad is max size I can cut out for when I put the front clip back on. Having run it at various fast idle speeds for two 1/2 hour sessions, I can't even feel heat in the radiator tanks. The engine doesnt seem too warm either. I'm gonna try hooking up the temp guage today and see what I have. Kid that works for me is bringing in a bushing this morning. I'm thinking the temp isnt up enough for the thermostats to open. Maybe this one is gonna be a cool runner.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 339
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From: Washington ,Mo.
It also sound like you have a rad,cap problem get a 16 to 18lb.I have gotten bad thermostats new I only buy top brand names Stat or boush just to name a couple.
My electric old fan don't kick on till 200 hardly ever ran pulling a long hill.with a 32' race trailer with my 2wd pulling truck and tow around sidekick in it.
Dale
My electric old fan don't kick on till 200 hardly ever ran pulling a long hill.with a 32' race trailer with my 2wd pulling truck and tow around sidekick in it.
Dale
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orcas Island Wa.
Oh, and Perky, Last fall I went and looked at a '67 IH travelall 3/4 ton 4x4 with a 6 cyl perkins that had been professionally installed 18 years earlier. Unfortunately the body was really rusty and the oil pressure was really low and a couple other issues, but that perkins fired up so nicely and idled so sweetly I was sorry to leave it behind. Then I bought my fridge truck but that didn't solve the problem of hauling passengers. I have about 6 trucks and none of them are super cabs.......Maybe I'll find another 6at and put it in a falcon wagon. Or , gulp... a landcruiser wagon!
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Racerdave
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Sep 11, 2003 06:28 PM
