Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Radiator/ Temp Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2013 | 07:23 PM
  #1  
outsource77's Avatar
outsource77
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
Question Radiator/ Temp Question

The truck 76, IL6 300, flairside, LWB. I need to replace the radiator due to a popped seam. There are two different radiator I can get a AutoZone. The regular one (smaller) and the HD version, three core. I measured, both will drop right in. Now,I have heard that the 300 will run more efficient on the hotter side of the thermostat. Should I go with what is in the truck now, smaller one, should I gowith the HD version or will the bigger one cool to much? Summer is on the way, west coast can get pretty hot. All thoughts and opinions are appreciated. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2013 | 07:49 PM
  #2  
montana_highboy's Avatar
montana_highboy
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Why not take the radiator to a rad shop and have the seam resoldered, should be about $40-60

The oem copper/brass radiators are better quality than anything you'll find at Autozone.
 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2013 | 08:01 PM
  #3  
wyckedcombo17's Avatar
wyckedcombo17
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 1
From: Suburbs of Chicago
If you've got the dough, get a three core. Your engine will keep a relatively constant 195 once its warmed up due to the thermostat's regulation of water temp.

As for warm/cold, yes an engine that is warmed up is more efficient, but if you're on the west coast you don't have to live with below zero temps, which is what kills efficiency (closed or 1/2 choke operation)
 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2013 | 08:10 PM
  #4  
lbcarguy's Avatar
lbcarguy
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 91
Likes: 2
From: Long Beach, CA
Club FTE Silver Member

Repair your radiator

I concur with what was said on repairing your original radiator. It is a much more robust unit than what is made in China and sold here as a drop in replacement. Even if you end up needing a new core, you will have a radiator that functions and fits as Ford intended.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hulk78
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 2, 2013 06:41 AM
outsource77
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
2
Mar 28, 2013 08:09 AM
Schuyles
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 12, 2012 11:09 AM
VENTUREMAN
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 9, 2008 12:47 PM
mark460
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jun 8, 2005 09:17 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:20 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE