Radiator question?
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 401
From: W. Central FL.
I am cooling my 1949 F4 using the 6 cyl original radiator. I have a large electric fan and modified the original shroud to adapt the fan. I've not driven the truck at road speed but I've let it warm up and sit idling on a very hot day. The 350 CID engine reached the 190 degree thermostat temperature and stabilized. Driving around slowly, temperatures never went above Tstat temp. I seriously doubt if I have a cooling problem when the engine develops full power.
Edit: Pictures if you want to see them.
Edit: Pictures if you want to see them.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 135
From: Houston
Consider the popularly used 65-66 Mustang radiators used to cool a 302. That radiator is what, half the size of the F-1 radiator? Unless you are doing something really crazy you should be fine.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Frankfort, Ohio
Well it sounds like it's been done many times with sucess, so I'll give it a try, but it will be next summer before I find out how it does. Thanks to all that have responded.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 4
From: Southern SC.
The biggest problem I had was the bottom outlet is on passenger side and h2o pump on 5.0 is on drivers side. But the cooling is fine again with an electric fan. Have fun
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,795
From: Burbank, WA
I used the conventional fan for years and had no issues. One word of advice, make sure you have the rad support set in the forward set of holes on the frame saddle mount and the corresponding holes in the side skirts to give extra fan room. It's the location used for original 6 cylinder applications. If your truck came with the 6, you're golden. If you had the V8 flattie, it's something to consider and a good option if you find fan clearance a bit tight. Take a look and you'll see what I'm talking about.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Frankfort, Ohio
The truck still has the original six in it. So I can run it without the electric fan, if I fab a decent shroud. Thanks again for the knowledge. I guess that's what you all do best on this board.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 3
From: Morgan Hill, CA
The 6 cylinder radiator will probably cool well, but the stock 289/302 Mustang radiators have been a problem for me. For around the same money that it will take to recondition your stock radiator you can buy a 2 row aluminum radiator. The two rows are twice as wide, so it is the same effect as a 4 row brass radiator.
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