Replacement Radiator Suggestions?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 255
From: San Diego, CA
Replacement Radiator Suggestions?
Hi guys,
I am planning on replacing the entire cooling system and swapping over to the Motorcraft Yellow coolant. My plan is to stick with all Motorcraft parts (hoses, thermostat and water pump). However for the radiator I am uncertain, as I am reluctant to spend $500 on a Motorcraft... Any suggestions on quality replacements, or do I bite the bullet and et the Motorcraft part?
Truck has 210k on it, it appears to be all original cooling system components. No leaks or issues, just thought I'd swap them out now before anything failed.
This is for a 2001 F-350 V10 (Looks like 6.8 and 7.3 use same PN's anyway..), I'm posting over here since there is more activity
I am planning on replacing the entire cooling system and swapping over to the Motorcraft Yellow coolant. My plan is to stick with all Motorcraft parts (hoses, thermostat and water pump). However for the radiator I am uncertain, as I am reluctant to spend $500 on a Motorcraft... Any suggestions on quality replacements, or do I bite the bullet and et the Motorcraft part?
Truck has 210k on it, it appears to be all original cooling system components. No leaks or issues, just thought I'd swap them out now before anything failed.
This is for a 2001 F-350 V10 (Looks like 6.8 and 7.3 use same PN's anyway..), I'm posting over here since there is more activity
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
Depends on the cost of an after market one. If the AM one is $100 and you save $400 then sure, go with the AM and if it only last 10-years the chances are you won't have the truck anymore. If the AM is $400 then yes, I'd toss in the extra $100 for the OEM radiator.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 255
From: San Diego, CA
Yeah, I'm seeing the NAPA ones which are $200, Mishimoto $300, Motorcraft are $500. There are some cheaper ones I am not interested in.
Just curious if anyone has bought a radiator recently in the 200-300 range that was high quality and recommended.
Just curious if anyone has bought a radiator recently in the 200-300 range that was high quality and recommended.
MUST GO FASTER!!!!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 356
From: Arizona
I know its a bit more than you want to spend, but here is a 2 Row, all aluminum, specifically made for the V10 F250 and Excursion, no plastic tanks to burst.
https://www.radiatorexpress.com/prod...218053/1358096
I put one in with my new engine to make sure i would not spring a leak where the plastic meets the metal like has occurred so many damn times before with other vehicles. How much can they really save by using plastic instead of aluminum on those stupid tanks, and how much does it end up costing people in the end when the plastic barbs snap off, or the tank cracks, or the seal goes bad and they smoke an engine because of a leak they could not see.....
Last several vehicles i have bought, one of my first major upgrades, especially since its arizona which oven roasts plastic parts and runs engines hotter than hot is to upgrade to all aluminum radiators.
https://www.radiatorexpress.com/prod...218053/1358096
I put one in with my new engine to make sure i would not spring a leak where the plastic meets the metal like has occurred so many damn times before with other vehicles. How much can they really save by using plastic instead of aluminum on those stupid tanks, and how much does it end up costing people in the end when the plastic barbs snap off, or the tank cracks, or the seal goes bad and they smoke an engine because of a leak they could not see.....
Last several vehicles i have bought, one of my first major upgrades, especially since its arizona which oven roasts plastic parts and runs engines hotter than hot is to upgrade to all aluminum radiators.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
I've learned to trust Napa parts. Warranty? There was a post about the Mishimoto radiator leaving gaps around the sides. For max cooling, you want to funnel all the air through the rad. Gaps and holes are not good. The Motorcraft part will be quality but you're paying $200 for the name.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 235
Likes: 56
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Most of the ones with platic ends are all the same just rebranded from china. I know this becuase I orderd a couple on line and they kept getting damaged in shipping and built a nice little collection in my parts pile. Ended up picking the 2 row up from Advanced Auto locally with the 20% off code online with a lifetime warranty for like $180 . Been great so far and ran the truck hard towing the boat 5+ hrs in 90+ Florida heat. Original one lasted to 269K.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 40
From: SoCal
I would advise you to consider replacing the plastic overflow bottle with the all aluminum one from Mishimoto. When I replaced my engine I replaced my overflow tank with a genuine Motorcraft one from the Ford dealer, it started leaking at the seams. It was a very small leak. I replaced it with the Mishimoto tank. I got my radiator from Oreilly's only because my budget wouldn't allow for the 700.00 Mishimoto, but I will be replacing the radiator soon.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,037
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I have had the all aluminum radiators with welded tanks on both our trucks for 10 or so years with no issues. I bought them off of Ebay for $200 and prefer them much over the stock rubber gasket plastic end tanks.
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MUST GO FASTER!!!!
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Arizona
I would advise you to consider replacing the plastic overflow bottle with the all aluminum one from Mishimoto. When I replaced my engine I replaced my overflow tank with a genuine Motorcraft one from the Ford dealer, it started leaking at the seams. It was a very small leak. I replaced it with the Mishimoto tank. I got my radiator from Oreilly's only because my budget wouldn't allow for the 700.00 Mishimoto, but I will be replacing the radiator soon.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 40
From: SoCal
Here ya go. It's listed as "Degas Bottle" for the 7.3 PS, but it's the same part for the 6.8. Aluminum Degas Tank, fits Ford 7.3L Powerstroke 1999-2003 (mishimoto.com)
MUST GO FASTER!!!!
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Arizona
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 255
From: San Diego, CA
I've always felt that you get what you pay for, but I have to wonder why the Radiator Express aluminum radiator is so much more than the eBay ones. I'd imagine they are built at the same factory. Possibly with different quality controls which would cost a higher price. I am weary of spending $200 on one, but also skeptical for paying $450 for might be the same product!
As far as degas bottle, the all aluminum one from eBay would probably be fine..
Right now I'm thinking of the Radiator Express Desert Cooler ($450) or the Motorcraft OEM Radiator ($500+).... Hmm.
As far as degas bottle, the all aluminum one from eBay would probably be fine..
Right now I'm thinking of the Radiator Express Desert Cooler ($450) or the Motorcraft OEM Radiator ($500+).... Hmm.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 994
Likes: 367
From: Republic of Texas
Coming up on a year since I put the new Motorcraft radiator and de-gas tank in my 7.3 F-250. Good equipment and easy job. No complaints.
Figure the last one lasted 20 years why not try it again.
Figure the last one lasted 20 years why not try it again.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I hope I can get some help with this. I bought a after market alluiuman radiator and the top of it is too big and my brackets won't fit to hold the radiator in place. Is this normal. The description said it fits my 2002 ford excursion 7.3 L V8.