weird rad sizing
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Salt Lake City
weird rad sizing
So I have an 86 f350 with the 6.9, and what looks like factory AC. My rad is going out, and needs replaced. Now here's where it gets weird. When looking on a part store's page, it says the plastic tank/aluminum core rad is what I need, and its the tall rad. BUT the rad in my truck now appears to be a brass tank/copper core rad of the tall variety, even though the part store shows the brass/copper rad is the short one. I haven't measured the rad in my truck yet, since either replacement is fairly expensive, but it looks full height.
So I guess my question is this: which rad should I get? the plastic/aluminum rad is 250, and the brass/copper rad is 350. My biggest fear is introducing problems into the system. Would it be better to stick with the same materials and use the brass/copper? or have a taller rad with plastic tanks?
also, my future plans for the truck include a fairly high-boost turbo (20psi if possible), and I would like to run standard universal or EL coolant, depending on what is good for the engine.
So I guess my question is this: which rad should I get? the plastic/aluminum rad is 250, and the brass/copper rad is 350. My biggest fear is introducing problems into the system. Would it be better to stick with the same materials and use the brass/copper? or have a taller rad with plastic tanks?
also, my future plans for the truck include a fairly high-boost turbo (20psi if possible), and I would like to run standard universal or EL coolant, depending on what is good for the engine.
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From: Northeast, OK
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
It's either the tall or the short wide radiator. Seems factory air conditioning trucks had the larger tall radiator. All original radiators were brass/copper. I would avoid the cheapy plastic radiators. Either have yours repaired or get an aluminum radiator. Champion makes one that bolts in, and I believe there is one other manufacturer who makes a brass/copper or aluminum radiator. Rodney Red maybe?
This is one area I won't cheap out on because I don't want to be replacing it constantly, like happens with the cheap $20 aluminum heater cores from China.
This is one area I won't cheap out on because I don't want to be replacing it constantly, like happens with the cheap $20 aluminum heater cores from China.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
So I have an 86 F350 with the 6.9L diesel and what looks like factory AC. My rad is going out, and needs replaced.
Now here's where it gets weird. When looking on a part store's page, it says the plastic tank/aluminum core rad is what I need, and its the tall rad. BUT the rad in my truck now appears to be a brass tank/copper core rad of the tall variety, even though the part store shows the brass/copper rad is the short one. I haven't measured the rad in my truck yet, since either replacement is fairly expensive, but it looks full height.
Now here's where it gets weird. When looking on a part store's page, it says the plastic tank/aluminum core rad is what I need, and its the tall rad. BUT the rad in my truck now appears to be a brass tank/copper core rad of the tall variety, even though the part store shows the brass/copper rad is the short one. I haven't measured the rad in my truck yet, since either replacement is fairly expensive, but it looks full height.
Standard cooling radiator uses a specific radiator support. The radiator support used with the xtra & super cooling radiator uses a different radiator support.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Salt Lake City
well looks like my decision was made for me. my current rad just blew out on me, so I have no choice but to get the cheapo plastic-tank rad... luckily it blew out just minutes from home before it started really puking the rusty coolant, so now the truck is safely parked and unusable until I have the new rad. Cadunkle, Champion rads makes a good drop in unit at a great price. Im going to end up with one of theirs, but thanks to the copper core finally giving up the ghost, I have to make an emergency repair ASAP. Oh, the joys of owning an old, beat up truck. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 97
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From: Salt Lake City
so the new rad is in. honestly, I'm shocked the old rad didn't puke coolant before now!
When the rad gave out, it hit 242F. Is that dangerous for the engine? it was there for about 5 minutes, maybe 10 at the most.
with the new rad, on a test drive, I'm at 192F.
When the rad gave out, it hit 242F. Is that dangerous for the engine? it was there for about 5 minutes, maybe 10 at the most.
with the new rad, on a test drive, I'm at 192F.
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