Radiator Help
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Locust, NC
Radiator Help
Looking to find a cheap radiator for my 79 F100, 4.9L (also, do I need a fan shroud?)
The current coolant is likely unchanged since the 00s, and the current radiator weeps coolant.
I am having trouble finding one in the cheaper (100-175) range. Anywhere I should look? I've seen mention of some Chevy radiators fitting, not sure if that's true.
Also, any advice or anecdotal tips for a coolant flush would be much appreciated. I've seen where instead of looking for the block drain behind the starter people use the lines already going to the radiator to drain it.
Thanks for looking
The current coolant is likely unchanged since the 00s, and the current radiator weeps coolant.
I am having trouble finding one in the cheaper (100-175) range. Anywhere I should look? I've seen mention of some Chevy radiators fitting, not sure if that's true.
Also, any advice or anecdotal tips for a coolant flush would be much appreciated. I've seen where instead of looking for the block drain behind the starter people use the lines already going to the radiator to drain it.
Thanks for looking
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I suggest using a Champion radiator https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Relia...MAAOSwbXddG8qX the engine is easy to flush through the water outlet ( replace with a new Robert Shaw 331 series thermostat) with the lower hose removed. Biggest suggestion is do it once and flush throughly and refill with a HD Extended Life Coolant like Delo, Rotela, Fleetguard, CAT, Peak Gloabal or Zerex. All will last the next 10 years+ provided the system is clean and distilled water is used.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 217
From: Northern VA
I bought it in 2018. You can find good deals on Ebay if you know how to work the filters and send out some offers.
Turns out it was $119.--This is the one, price went up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROWS-R-FI...72.m2749.l2649
Turns out it was $119.--This is the one, price went up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROWS-R-FI...72.m2749.l2649
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 323
Likes: 2
From: Johnson City
Considering your dimensions are the same. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F172824874359
...but buy a better cap.
...but buy a better cap.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 217
From: Northern VA
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 64
I bought it in 2018. You can find good deals on Ebay if you know how to work the filters and send out some offers.
Turns out it was $119.--This is the one, price went up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROWS-R-FI...72.m2749.l2649
Turns out it was $119.--This is the one, price went up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROWS-R-FI...72.m2749.l2649
Eric
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
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From: Locust, NC
None of the radiators linked will fit the 4.9L when you check compatibility. I'm at work, but if memory serves it was ~19" x ~22"
I would prefer not to have to do any modification for fitment.
I would prefer not to have to do any modification for fitment.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,031
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From: East Central Ia
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 12
From: KY
https://www.radiator.com/ also sells original style and there expensive as well , thats were mine came from and worth every penny if you can afford it , prices suck but its not like the good ole days ,,the ones I see on there site for a 4.9L 300ci I-6 are about $360
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
Looking to find a cheap radiator for my 79 F100, 4.9L (also, do I need a fan shroud?)
The current coolant is likely unchanged since the 00s, and the current radiator weeps coolant.
I am having trouble finding one in the cheaper (100-175) range. Anywhere I should look? I've seen mention of some Chevy radiators fitting, not sure if that's true.
Also, any advice or anecdotal tips for a coolant flush would be much appreciated. I've seen where instead of looking for the block drain behind the starter people use the lines already going to the radiator to drain it.
Thanks for looking
The current coolant is likely unchanged since the 00s, and the current radiator weeps coolant.
I am having trouble finding one in the cheaper (100-175) range. Anywhere I should look? I've seen mention of some Chevy radiators fitting, not sure if that's true.
Also, any advice or anecdotal tips for a coolant flush would be much appreciated. I've seen where instead of looking for the block drain behind the starter people use the lines already going to the radiator to drain it.
Thanks for looking
A shroud is not mandatory, but it can help in a hot environment.
It sounds like a good flush & new coolant is in order.
Until I removed the block drain plugs and installed some real valves I was never able to adequately flush the block. The water jacket was full of accumulated crud over the previous 40+ years the block never got flushed properly. I suppose that why the drains are there.