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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Radiator/Cooling Help!!

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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:22 PM
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Radiator/Cooling Help!!

I bought my 85' F150 last Nov. I'v since done the DSII Swap. Well, my truck was running hot in traffic, so I decided to change the WP, thermostat, etc. It turns out the stat that was in there, was in backwards :/ Well, I have a plastic radiator in there I'm not real impressed with (it does look pretty new though). Question: Should I swap it out for a good oem one from the yard?? I have the tow package, A/C, etc...will the V8 Rads work...are they any larger? Thanks!!
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:31 PM
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Most of the OEM's were plastic too.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:32 PM
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I wouldn't change the radiator. It really isn't plastic, but surely aluminum with plastic tanks. Aluminum radiators work almost twice as well as the old copper/brass radiators, so a 2-core aluminum is better than a 3-core copper/brass.

As for the radiator support, I think there is a difference between those for an 8 and those for a 6. I remember something about that in the catalog but don't remember exactly what the differences are.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:35 PM
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The v8 rads will not work, hoses are on the wrong side. They do make a thicker (2 row) unit for the straight 6, it was for with air. The cores are EXACTLY the same between I6 and V8. Just the tanks are different. As Dave said, the oem's were plastic as well.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
Most of the OEM's were plastic too.
WOW...even back in 85'. I did a quick look on ebay though and there are a few steel ones listed for an 85' 4.9L (which is what I have) 1" thick. What years will fit/work and are prob. steel/aluminum?? Any all help is appreciated. Thanks!!
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:40 PM
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85-96 were OEM Plastic tank. Just get a stock replacement for I6 with A/C and slap it in. The fan shroud is different as well. And make sure you have a good fan clutch in it with a real fan. IIRC If you get the A/C fan it has 5? blades. You won't find steel/Al. nope. The plastic will be fine as long as you get a good quality (not ebay) unit. Go to your local radiator shop.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:43 PM
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On other thing, all things being correct and in proper working order, the current system will cool it fine
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:54 PM
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This one for example looks to be steel/aluminum... 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 Ford F150 Radiators 6 300 4 9L 1 Thick At | eBay

I believe the one I have in my truck now, is from Napa...the guy I bought the truck from had a pile of Napa receipts in the truck. I'm just use to the one I'm running in my Mustang...its a Be Cool Aluminum...real HD in comparison LOL
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 02:01 PM
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Nope, see the ribs and the crimped header. That is plastic. There are a few places that make all aluminum rads for these, if you want to go that route.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2014 | 02:19 PM
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Good catch...I was just doing a quick search when I had a few mins. Yeah, I have a Summit Racing Retail Store in town...$700-$900 something for a "Be Cool"...ummm...LOL

http://www.summitracing.com/nv/parts...rd/model/f-150
 
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Old Jul 12, 2014 | 01:29 AM
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For what it's worth, my truck has a 2 core aluminum/plastic tank radiator and it works just fine. No leaks yet! it's several years old too.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2014 | 02:20 AM
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Originally Posted by FordFETruck
For what it's worth, my truck has a 2 core aluminum/plastic tank radiator and it works just fine. No leaks yet! it's several years old too.
Yeah, mine (from Napa) seems to work fine
 
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Old Jul 12, 2014 | 02:27 AM
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Well, I swapped out my water pump (NAPA), and one of the holes on the hub was stripped out...wth!!! Not sure if I should replace it or just run a tap.

I also swapped out the thermostat...the previous owner or someone installed it backwards. What temp stat is everyone running?
 
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Old Jul 12, 2014 | 01:25 PM
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The trucks came with a 192/195 and that was determine by engineers for a number of reasons. I highly recommend that temp 'stat.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2014 | 01:44 PM
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I read a number of articles on running a 160 stat. So, I thought I would try it.
 
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