Van radiator
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
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Van radiator
So I think my radiator is on it's last leg, so I was looking for a replacement. Have any of you van guys swapped in a new one? Which one did you go with?
I know that many truck people have spoken highly of a Champion replacement. A quick part # search shows that the van part is different than the trucks. Can anyone speak to this?
Thanks
I know that many truck people have spoken highly of a Champion replacement. A quick part # search shows that the van part is different than the trucks. Can anyone speak to this?
Thanks
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 21
I am hoping to find a good replacement for less than the $400 range that comes up for all the van ones I found.
Also, I have swapped out radiators in a few cars but never a Ford truck/van. The cars were easy. Drain the coolant, detach trans/coolant lines, remove a couple of bolts at the top, detach the fan shroud and the radiator just lifted right out. It took longer to drain the coolant than to pull the radiator. Is this the same for these IDI's.
Just want to makes sure since if I do have to replace it sooner rather than later it will be done in the driveway with temps hovering about 20* (hopefully no colder)
Also, I have swapped out radiators in a few cars but never a Ford truck/van. The cars were easy. Drain the coolant, detach trans/coolant lines, remove a couple of bolts at the top, detach the fan shroud and the radiator just lifted right out. It took longer to drain the coolant than to pull the radiator. Is this the same for these IDI's.
Just want to makes sure since if I do have to replace it sooner rather than later it will be done in the driveway with temps hovering about 20* (hopefully no colder)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 17
It's the same as most vehicles, no tricks or catches. I'm pretty sure you have to remove the bottom bolts, the radiator's not notched down there like others. Could be wrong on that though, it's been awhile.
Just be careful and use a helper if you have one, these radiators are heavy.
Can you have the old one recored/rebuilt? The aftermarket ones are crap. And the guys that spoke highly of the Chumpions reported leakage a year or so later.
Just be careful and use a helper if you have one, these radiators are heavy.
Can you have the old one recored/rebuilt? The aftermarket ones are crap. And the guys that spoke highly of the Chumpions reported leakage a year or so later.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 48
From: California
Back when my old engine was seeping oil in the coolant, I had to pull my radiator so many times to properly remove the gunk from its chambers. You are right about pulling the tranny lines, lower- and upper-rad hoses, and any other elements attached to the radiator. The only hard part if lifting it up so that the tranny hose bibs on the bottom do not catch on the fan clutch blades. It's a pain.
But I got so good at it, that I was able to pull that rad all by myself. I have been working out lately, so i can lift more than usual, but basically, I tie a rope from the top notch-holes of the radiator, then lift up like a m____rfu___r.
As for finding an affordable van radiator, I never could find one. That's why I now have two spare rads in the garage. I figure if I ever start to have one fail, then I'll have plenty to replace it with.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 21
Back when my old engine was seeping oil in the coolant, I had to pull my radiator so many times to properly remove the gunk from its chambers. You are right about pulling the tranny lines, lower- and upper-rad hoses, and any other elements attached to the radiator. The only hard part if lifting it up so that the tranny hose bibs on the bottom do not catch on the fan clutch blades. It's a pain.
But I got so good at it, that I was able to pull that rad all by myself. I have been working out lately, so i can lift more than usual, but basically, I tie a rope from the top notch-holes of the radiator, then lift up like a m____rfu___r.
As for finding an affordable van radiator, I never could find one. That's why I now have two spare rads in the garage. I figure if I ever start to have one fail, then I'll have plenty to replace it with.
But I got so good at it, that I was able to pull that rad all by myself. I have been working out lately, so i can lift more than usual, but basically, I tie a rope from the top notch-holes of the radiator, then lift up like a m____rfu___r.
As for finding an affordable van radiator, I never could find one. That's why I now have two spare rads in the garage. I figure if I ever start to have one fail, then I'll have plenty to replace it with.
I am going to fill the washer fluid with a different color de-icer so I can tell for sure. Sure would be nice if that is all it is. Besides the $$, changing out a radiator in the driveway when the high for the day is 15*f IS NOT my idea of fun......
I am up north by Ft Wayne. Kinda curious how much a shop would charge to clean it up etc. The plan is to take it off the road in the spring for a while and install some parts I have been stock piling. Maybe even a paint job if funds and time allows.
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