Notices
Large Truck My truck is bigger than yours. The forum for 2+ ton trucks (all years), COE's, Louisville's, Big-Job's etc.

Radiator for 391 FT

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 11, 2018 | 09:57 AM
  #1  
mach69's Avatar
mach69
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Radiator for 391 FT

Got in a bored out rebuilt 391 FT, so itll be running even hotter thn before, anyone know a good replacement upgrade?

ive been quoted 1500 for a recore of the original, wondering if ther is something better, more efficeient...
or maybe they dont build them like they used too and i should get it recored, just seems expensive......

 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2018 | 10:29 AM
  #2  
mach69's Avatar
mach69
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
ill be picking it up next week ill post the results on here so everybody knows how it goes
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2018 | 10:33 AM
  #3  
David7.3's Avatar
David7.3
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,206
Likes: 3
From: Oakhust NJ Jersey Shore
Yes they dont make em like they use to. A recore sounds like a great idea and what I would do is it at least a 4 row?? than you should have no problems with an over heating issue. Good luck
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2018 | 05:47 AM
  #4  
big job's Avatar
big job
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 44
How do you know it will run hotter if you don't try it. Just curious my 391's run cool with origional radiators..
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2018 | 08:51 PM
  #5  
GERG951's Avatar
GERG951
New User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I put this radiator in my 78 F600 361FT from Rock Auto Spectra CU456....I'm down where it's hot too, Palm Springs, CA area...couldn't ask for a better cooler..It's Brass AutoZone can get it too... Autozone C456
and if you wanted to look it up at Rock, It's under 1977 Ford F500 w/330
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2018 | 08:56 PM
  #6  
GERG951's Avatar
GERG951
New User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Also,FYI, AutoZone is a little more money, but they offer a life time warranty.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2018 | 11:12 AM
  #7  
Destroked 450's Avatar
Destroked 450
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 331
From: Harned, Ky
Take it to a radiator shop and have it flow tested, then decide on what you want to do.
We used to run 391FT's in F and L series Fords hauling logs out of the woods, lots of slow hard pulling in dust and hot summer temps, seldom did one over heat with original 20-30 year old rad's and some of the 391's where .060 over bored.
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2020 | 11:51 AM
  #8  
mach69's Avatar
mach69
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I ended up getting the recore and now am trying to figure out the plumbing among other things...

There is a vertical line running from base tank (adjacent to trans cooler supply/return lines) to top. I think it goes back into the water pump as a supply line, but am unsure. Could anyone provide a recommendation? The photo attached has the line in question circled in red.



 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-4

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 17, 2020 | 01:55 PM
  #9  
Destroked 450's Avatar
Destroked 450
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 331
From: Harned, Ky
Didn't notice the trans cooler lines originally so guessing it has a automatic trans, does it have air brakes, that could be the coolant return from the air compressor.
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2020 | 02:56 PM
  #10  
KULTULZ's Avatar
KULTULZ
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 219
From: W (BY GOD) V
Question

Any chance of entering model and year of truck?
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2020 | 04:51 PM
  #11  
mach69's Avatar
mach69
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Destroked 450
Didn't notice the trans cooler lines originally so guessing it has a automatic trans, does it have air brakes, that could be the coolant return from the air compressor.
YES, ALLISON MT-40. NO AIR COMPRESSOR (HYDRAULIC BRAKES)
Originally Posted by KULTULZ
Any chance of entering model and year of truck?
1968 BLUE BIRD WANDERLODGE 31'
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2020 | 05:31 PM
  #12  
Destroked 450's Avatar
Destroked 450
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 331
From: Harned, Ky
Originally Posted by mach69
YES, ALLISON MT-40. NO AIR COMPRESSOR (HYDRAULIC BRAKES)

1968 BLUE BIRD WANDERLODGE 31'
Motor home! ok that's probably the coolant return from the heating system.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2020 | 11:56 AM
  #13  
mach69's Avatar
mach69
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Destroked 450
Motor home! ok that's probably the coolant return from the heating system.
That's right, its an old bird




Coolant return is correct I believe, as block had two coolant lines that circled up the dash to heaters.

However I don't plan to replace these lines (yet). Just want to start up motor (rebuilt). So thinking I will plug the vertical coolant return line from heater system, and just have the thermostat/radiator supply line and thermostat bypass to water pump (1st picture). There is also a coolant supply niipple on the intake directly behind the water pump/fan mount (2nd picture). Any idea if i can get away with plugging this as well, or should it bypass to the water pump too?



 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2020 | 12:51 PM
  #14  
Destroked 450's Avatar
Destroked 450
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 331
From: Harned, Ky
The plugged fitting in the first pic should be the heater supply line, plugging it is fine till your ready to plumb the heater.
The circled fitting in the second pic we plug on truck apps that use the high mount fan water pump like you have, the fitting in front of the one circled that's pointing straight up I believe we used for the heater return, not sure what it's used for in your app. The MD and HD trucks we used the FT engines in didn't have that return fitting in the radiator.
 
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2020 | 07:50 AM
  #15  
SVO2SCJ's Avatar
SVO2SCJ
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 82
Likes: 8
From: Brighton MI
Going to reply with what I would do. (other than NOT be concerned that there would be overheating) Let's assume, that the person doesn't bore a thin block (didn't sonic check), assemble tight (with anything but factory specs) and the rest of the cooling system is in proper order (seeing the attention to detail on the paint, my guess is you know to use new hoses, pump and CORRECT themostat)!

I would take to ANOTHER shop, have them rot it out, pressure test and if ok use! My answer has nothing to do with "virus" money saving mod - rather that rad it better than ANYTHING you can buy today (looks great) and requires no modification to install.

Mark

P.S. My guess is you are a car guy (have to be to turning wrenches yourself) I treat my C850 differently than my car restorations. I hope you get my reply!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:41 PM.

story-0
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-6
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE