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radiator mistake?

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Old Aug 13, 2019 | 11:42 PM
  #1  
Montana406's Avatar
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radiator mistake?

So the old original radiator finally broke.No problem ordered mishimoto replacement .Wait a week for delivery UPS ground.arrives smashed .leaving on vacation.Go to napa get their (spectra)replacement.Installed, but core is only 1 7/16 thick.The mishimoto core 2 1/4 thick.Question how much difference will the missing 3/4 " of core make a differance.I tow a 5th wheel (11,000#) plus 3000# boat behind.should I just bite the bullet and when I return from vacation install the mishimoto (replacement one) or just return it and keep the napa one.I guess I could sell the spectra one on craigslist and recoup some money.Your thoughts.thanks.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2019 | 12:45 AM
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following this...

A while ago, the dealer offered me a motorcraft radiator with a smaller depth size as well. I turned it down without buying it but they did mention no other radiator was available on their system.
I could not find any data on this smaller sized radiator. Did they redesign this radiator for equivalent thermal dissipation compared to my original or is this some light duty reduced performance version?

I'd like to find out. 2001 date stamped radiator is still in my truck. If you stick to the spectra unit, please share some temp comparisons.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2019 | 01:23 AM
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'88 E-350's Avatar
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Bigger isn't always better, but I don't know what the ideal size is for these.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2019 | 04:52 AM
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If you have an established radiator repair shop, it can build a spec radiator for you.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2019 | 09:30 AM
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I had a tire shop lift my truck by the radiator support, smashed the radiator they tried replacing it with a thin radiator. However the fan shroud would not fit tight up against it. Air will always follow the path of least resistance I made him put in the right radiator and in this case it was a brand new Ford OEM. Huge difference in cooling temps.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2019 | 08:39 PM
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Thin ones only came on the 5.4 trucks (single core)
 
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Old Aug 15, 2019 | 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Colorado350
I had a tire shop lift my truck by the radiator support, smashed the radiator they tried replacing it with a thin radiator. However the fan shroud would not fit tight up against it. Air will always follow the path of least resistance I made him put in the right radiator and in this case it was a brand new Ford OEM. Huge difference in cooling temps.
Originally Posted by z31freakify
Thin ones only came on the 5.4 trucks (single core)
Anyone have a ford part # for the thicker (2 - 3/16") radiator?

 
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Old Aug 15, 2019 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Bently_Coop
Radiator is here, need to call Horizon tomorrow about the transmission hard lines for it then install this weekend.

Attachment 217621


This is what Ford sold me in 2016 when upgrading my 99 V10 to a radiator with OTW cooler
 
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Old Aug 15, 2019 | 02:33 PM
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Just FYI...

I did a quick search on Rock Auto and came up with three at 2 1/4" two at 1 7/16" and one at 1 3/4".

I am sure there are many, many others available that are 2 1/4" with a search of other sites other Rock Auto.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2019 | 05:58 PM
  #10  
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From: billings mt
radiator mistake?

Originally Posted by Sous
Just FYI...

I did a quick search on Rock Auto and came up with three at 2 1/4" two at 1 7/16" and one at 1 3/4".

I am sure there are many, many others available that are 2 1/4" with a search of other sites other Rock Auto.
Thanks for the Info. I guess my real question is do I need a 2 1/4"(2row core) or is a single row sufficient for what I'm towing.Is more better ?
 
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Old Aug 15, 2019 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Montana406
Thanks for the Info. I guess my real question is do I need a 2 1/4"(2row core) or is a single row sufficient for what I'm towing.Is more better ?
More is always better, buy once cry once...
 
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