Radiator Help
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New User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 11
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From: Ogden, UT
Radiator Help
I was just working under the hood of my truck and found a leak in my radiator! It's a 3 core radiator for a 460 engine in a 1978 F250. I wanted to know if you guys thought it would be better to fix the core, or if you knew guys knew of a company that makes an OEM or better replacement?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3,549
Likes: 441
Many options available. I like the Champions.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...iator&_sacat=0
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...iator&_sacat=0
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 117
From: starship enterprise
I have fixed those old camper special big radiators for years, they are usually fixable by a radiator repair shop but your 460 should have a 4 core not 3 core soI am wondering if it was changed at some point and if so was it a genuine replacement or an aftermarket because if aftermarket, it needs to be assessed if it is as good as oem.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
I've looked all over for good, affordable radiators. I haven't found any. I have two Champion radiators, and both have developed weld cracks that seep. One has been repaired twice. Both are currently spotting. But I'll say this about them, I never have temperature swings. Both are 4 row.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,826
Likes: 2,339
Id look at a good radiator shop first and see if they can fix the one you have first. 3 core is fine unless you're working it hard in hot weather.
If it needs recored it's probably cheaper to start over. copper replacements are available or if you just want something that works cheaper the plastic / aluminum replacements work fine I just don't like the looks of them. though they're better than the all aluminum ones that look like something off a low rider .
If it needs recored it's probably cheaper to start over. copper replacements are available or if you just want something that works cheaper the plastic / aluminum replacements work fine I just don't like the looks of them. though they're better than the all aluminum ones that look like something off a low rider .
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
I was just working under the hood of my truck and found a leak in my radiator! It's a 3 core radiator for a 460 engine in a 1978 F250. I wanted to know if you guys thought it would be better to fix the core, or if you knew guys knew of a company that makes an OEM or better replacement?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I've looked all over for good, affordable radiators. I haven't found any. I have two Champion radiators, and both have developed weld cracks that seep. One has been repaired twice. Both are currently spotting. But I'll say this about them, I never have temperature swings. Both are 4 row.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
Were do the cracks develop? My oldest Champion radiator is almost 10 years old and no issues. The biggest issue I see with mounting aluminum radiators in these trucks is people don't use isolators. The radiators should have the ability to flex independently of the core support. I use single hole 3/8" isolators between the core support and radiator flange.
I've had several weld crack points. Lower right & left corners, outlet tube base, petcock fitting base. Chinese made.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 6
From: Knoxville, TN
4 core Champion radiator I have in mine has been great for years. As suggested above, some type of "isolators" or rubber washers between the flanges and mounting points will help alleviate the cracks some have experienced, also do not over tighten the mounting bolts.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
As said above, $700+ for a radiator seems like a lot, until I add up the headaches with other brands, I wish I had bought a Griffin. And probably will.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 6
From: Knoxville, TN
Did you not see that I do have isolators? It's just typical chinese poor workmanship and materials. I like both of my Champion's for their steady cooling ability, but the welds just aren't what they should be.
As said above, $700+ for a radiator seems like a lot, until I add up the headaches with other brands, I wish I had bought a Griffin. And probably will.
As said above, $700+ for a radiator seems like a lot, until I add up the headaches with other brands, I wish I had bought a Griffin. And probably will.
Um....no I did not see. Did you have a pic posted in this thread?? You're making it sound like I'm blind or an idiot or something. Not following why you asked me if "I saw" if there was no pic posted. My post was a general "to all" post, not one directed at you.