Radiator
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...,radiator,2172
It is a very close copy to the original Ford rad that was in the truck. It is 2 core, with metal tanks.
The only real difference from my original Ford radiator was that my original did not have the trans cooler connections in it...it was strictly a manual trans radiator, unless the auto's of the time had separate coolers? I have no idea.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
the local radiator shop told me I might as well go buy foaming engine cleaner and go to the car wash and do my own radiator. He said the EPA had watered down their chemicals so weak, over the country stuff is about same strength. He gave me my rotted galaxie radiator back, though he'd boiled it and tried to braze or solder some pinholes.
I think he did good on telling you what to do to clean it as he could have taken it in, throw it in the bath and then spray paint it and taken your money.
Did you check with him on what a new radiator would run?
After my "vinegar flush" and not really doing a great job after sitting a month I think something a little stronger is needed.
Maybe LCR liquid or if you are ready to go for a new radiator "just in case" try muriatic acid maybe cut with a little water so not so strong?
Dave ----
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
well after I did the vinegar, I also found some powders that are the same as what used to be in the old timey radiator clean out packages. Oxalic acid and something else. one powder for removing oil residue, next powder for removing rust residue. My radiator was so bad when I bought it, it wouldn't drain despite running phillips head screwdriver in and out petcock so I really had no choice but remove mine for cleaning. Mine is doing a lot better and doesn't leak, so cleaning it out is working but it's ongoing. I notice now when I open radiator cap, the rusty crap has floated to the top, there's not a whole lot draining out anymore, that's coming out clear, so it's getting better with each flush.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 217
From: Northern VA
Rad shop to fix the original would probably get you the finest result. I had a new plastic/alum in my 86 4.9 Fit well and worked nice. Finally, I have cleaned out old radiators with muriatic acid and garden hose. Leaks can even be repaired with a blow torch and solder.
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