Rad worth repairing or replace
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Coquitlam, BC Canada
Rad worth repairing or replace
Hello everyone!,
I have a 1979 F250 with a 400, I have recently noticed that my rad is leaking where the seem is on the top tank.
1. I'm trying to decide weather it would be better to replace it or get it repaired, but I dont know what to look for.
2. I have been told that my rad is a "camper special rad" The top tank is 5" across and the fins on the rad are about 3" and its a 3 row. And the list price for this rad is $750 cdn but I can get it for about $450 cdn. Because it's a rare rad I've been told.
I have a couple rad coming in to look at to try and decide what it is that I have.
Thanks for any replies, and for your time,
Joey
P.S. I haul a camper with this truck and plan on keeping it for a while.
And i think it could be the stock rad still.
I have a 1979 F250 with a 400, I have recently noticed that my rad is leaking where the seem is on the top tank.
1. I'm trying to decide weather it would be better to replace it or get it repaired, but I dont know what to look for.
2. I have been told that my rad is a "camper special rad" The top tank is 5" across and the fins on the rad are about 3" and its a 3 row. And the list price for this rad is $750 cdn but I can get it for about $450 cdn. Because it's a rare rad I've been told.
I have a couple rad coming in to look at to try and decide what it is that I have.
Thanks for any replies, and for your time,
Joey
P.S. I haul a camper with this truck and plan on keeping it for a while.
And i think it could be the stock rad still.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln USA
Rad worth repairing or replace
I should think you would be able to have it boiled out and repaired for less than $450.
What has probably happened is that the solder joint on the top tank has degraded. I would look at having it repaired. You can always paint it yourself to save a few bucks.
What has probably happened is that the solder joint on the top tank has degraded. I would look at having it repaired. You can always paint it yourself to save a few bucks.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Burnsville, MN
Rad worth repairing or replace
Here is what I remember from my experience in a radiator shop.
If the radiator is not brass, your options are limited.
If it is brass, you can have the tank reset. When they do that ask them to flow check the radiator to see if it needs to be 'rodded out'. This process involves passing a rod through the tubes to remove scale. If you can find an honest radiator shop this procedure is 'cheap', if not well...
In any event you can find new radiators for less than $450. We used alot of Modine units and were very happy with them.
Good luck!
If the radiator is not brass, your options are limited.
If it is brass, you can have the tank reset. When they do that ask them to flow check the radiator to see if it needs to be 'rodded out'. This process involves passing a rod through the tubes to remove scale. If you can find an honest radiator shop this procedure is 'cheap', if not well...
In any event you can find new radiators for less than $450. We used alot of Modine units and were very happy with them.
Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 1
From: Houston/Hope BC
Rad worth repairing or replace
Rod and repair. Use Prestone. Replace when the first leak occurs in the core (from corrosion). Carry a can of bars leaks to get you out of the BC bush, just in case. You can alway find (within about 50 meters) water in BC! 450 is a fair price in CND. Go Canucks! Resist gun registration in Canada!
