Evenin' gents, my truck has been running very well since my IP fiasco, and I've been busy putting miles on it almost everyday. Aside from weak batteries and my block off plate leaking, its been good until today.

I went over to my neighbours place, and for some reason I backed out of his place instead of turning around today, which is why I noticed it. I closed his gates and turned around to see something dripping underneath the front the the truck. I hold my hand underneath and see that its coolant.

So, naturally, I panic. The engine was cold (140 ish on the equus), so I stay in first gear and drive the 40 second drive back home (literally right across the road) to investigate.

I look and see that engine-side of the rad is covered in coolant, so it must be from higher up. Sure enough, its on the top tank seam I guess it would be called. I can squeeze the top rad hose and watch it seep from there.

I called Ford and rads are obsolete already; they can't even get me the rad hoses. I give napa a call, and they want 850. Bumper to bumper wants 720. I get the bright idea to call International with my engine number, and it was almost like how DARE I go to them for parts for this engine. I thought somebody told me it was their engine?

Anyways, what would you guys replace your rads with? Copper/brass or aluminium? From what I read, there is no good replacement other than a Ford unit. I gather to stay away from the plastic tanks, which would be wise as I'm always leaning over and checking this and that and I'm no slim Jim.

I can get a Mishimoto shipped online quite cheap, but the review isn't what I wanted to hear.

For some reason this truck kills rads; like this one is number four or five. The coolant is only a year old (flushed at the shop last year with VC8 added by me).

Any input is much appreciated!!

 

Do you still have your orginal? You around Atlanta if I remember right. If so take your orginal to a shop in Griffin have them repair that one. I think it cost me 40 to vat and fix some pin holes

 

1. Stop leaning on the radiator, 4-5 radiators is a lot. After I replace mine I'll likely build a cover that allows me to kneel above the radiator (extended core support top).
2. If it's not feasible to get a copper/brass one rebuilt then I'd just get a parts store brand with a lifetime warranty. Mine lasted 3-4 hard years with me kneeling on it occasionally(now seeping from top) and you can get them for around $200.

 

I second the rebuild option. I had mine boiled, rodded, resealed, refinned for under $500

 

Yes rebuild one of the original copper/brass ones. If you don't still have it then go get one out of a junk yard. All the new ones I have looked at are not very high quality. Mainly aluminum.
A decent radiator shop will be able to make a brass one better than new. And a simple seam leak is very easy to fix.

 

Ok guys will do. I haven't had time to pull it yet, but there is a rad shop about 3 hours away from me that is supposed to be really good; the parts guy at Ford told me they send their rads there, and they've never had a problem. I will hopefully be going there.

Maybe it's a good thing I still have every rad out of this truck lol.

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

Sorry PlumCrazy7, I made it sound like the rad was my weekend hangout. When changing glow plugs and installing my IP, the rad does get subject to some short-term leaning. I always try to lean/kneel on the rad support, or a battery tray depending on whats happening. It would be cool to see what you come up with regarding the cover to protect the rad.

Every rad from this truck failed with the same issues, a leak from the top tank; and they were all Ford rads afaik

 

Rock auto still sells the original style copper/brass radiator i got one for about 400 bucks with shipping it matches my original in every possible way

 

I understand, I do the same thing! But what might clarify the situation for me is how many years apart are these 4-5 rads failing? If you are having failures of high quality (Ford) radiators in short periods of time then I'd say you might have something underlying. Perhaps radiator cap is sticking and building too much pressure? Slight compression intrusion?