Radiator
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Radiator
I'm in the process of restoring/rebuilding my 84 f150. The radiator has sat open without a cap for a few years now without running. I'm debating between to either replacing it with a new one or have the original one dipped and refurbished
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
I bought a new one for my 1984 F150. The old one wasn't leaking, but it was of course 34 years old, grungy and dirty in and out, and the middle tie-bars had both broken off. I was installing a new freshly rebuilt engine, and I wanted the whole cooling system to be fresh with it. The new one was metal unit from RockAuto, and was a nice accurate fit.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I bought a new one for my 1984 F150. The old one wasn't leaking, but it was of course 34 years old, grungy and dirty in and out, and the middle tie-bars had both broken off. I was installing a new freshly rebuilt engine, and I wanted the whole cooling system to be fresh with it. The new one was metal unit from RockAuto, and was a nice accurate fit.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: NJ
what would be the best way to thoroughly clean it?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
I got you beat mine was about a month.
Filled let sit about 2 weeks, drained & flushes water and repete with fresh vinegar.
I think it helped as I get flow thru it now that I did not see before.
I don't have it on the road so can't say before or after results.
I can say I still see the white crust inside and I now see a little leak on the floor but have not looked into why, maybe this weekend ?
Dave - - - -
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Only a few days?
I got you beat mine was about a month.
Filled let sit about 2 weeks, drained & flushes water and repete with fresh vinegar.
I think it helped as I get flow thru it now that I did not see before.
I don't have it on the road so can't say before or after results.
I can say I still see the white crust inside and I now see a little leak on the floor but have not looked into why, maybe this weekend ?
Dave - - - -
I got you beat mine was about a month.
Filled let sit about 2 weeks, drained & flushes water and repete with fresh vinegar.
I think it helped as I get flow thru it now that I did not see before.
I don't have it on the road so can't say before or after results.
I can say I still see the white crust inside and I now see a little leak on the floor but have not looked into why, maybe this weekend ?
Dave - - - -
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 389
From: Evansville, Indiana
If in your situation, I would take the radiator to the radiator shop. Have them inspect, clean, pressure test and re-seal the tanks. I had this done to the radiator from my '86 a number of years ago (it was leaking. Failed gasket) and the cost, $80, was less than half the cost of a new radiator.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
The leak, not bad just a really small drip over weeks, it maybe be the lower hose (I hope). I hope to look into it this weekend and throw my psi tester on it to find the leak.
If I got to throw a radiator in it oh well just another new part added to all the rest LOL.
If in your situation, I would take the radiator to the radiator shop. Have them inspect, clean, pressure test and re-seal the tanks. I had this done to the radiator from my '86 a number of years ago (it was leaking. Failed gasket) and the cost, $80, was less than half the cost of a new radiator.
I think a lot had to do with the shops hour rate, look just out side NYC for rates. If they are getting $40 hr and it will take 3 hours to clean & test we are up to $120 for a $100 part.
Just my take on it.
Dave ----
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
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.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
Rock Auto only list a1 core but 2 different sizes, a 21.5" non-AC and a 27.5" with AC for about $135 - looks to be plastic & Alum.
LMC only list 1 radiator the 27.5" but does not say if for AC or not and it is a 1 core for $220 - no picture.
Auto Zone list 2 with AC (27.5) and without AC (21.5) max price $177 - plastic & Alum.
The Radiator in my truck now (from parts truck) is copper / brass and would like to say with that as I have not had good luck on plastic / alum tank seals.
The radiator that was in my truck was a plastic / alum but did not fit the radiator support and no way to be held in, had 1 bolt and wire to hold it from meeting fan.
I want to say the later years had a different way they bolted in?
Dave ----