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I just watched a huge puff of steam come out of my truck ... plastic tank blew up (literally ... there is a hole in it) on my truck.
OK ... so I looked ... to no surprise, it is not the original rad in the truck.
The one in the truck is a two core with a cooler for a transmission.
It looks like there should have been a single core with no cooler lines.
I like the idea of the larger rad ... I still use the truck as a work truck ... I also plow with it.
Question ... do all radiators for this truck mount the same?
I go onto rock auto ... I see one and two core rads ..... They "look" like they all have the same mounts (bottom just slides in ... two bolts at the top). Inlet and outlet are the same size ...
I just wanted to make sure they all slide into the same place ... one is not wide than any other. They don't list any size for mounting.
Yes, they all fit, even if they are different thicknesses. If you notice taking it out, the rubber saddles fit on the radiator end tanks, and the end tanks are all the same size, no matter how many rows it has.
I am sure this is not the original rad but I like the idea of a 2 row.
Turns out that is the only one I could get quickly anyway ... will be here tomorrow by noon.
Already got the old one out ...first time I have had a tank fail on a rad!
Need to find or make up some kind of rubber for the supports (bottom that goes into cups) ... I am sure there was something there at one time but mine are long gone ... maybe some split heater hose? I looked on 4 sites and nothing listed.
Thanks again!
Don't think I should be seeing the inside of my rad ... but it is clean!
Yes, they all fit, even if they are different thicknesses. If you notice taking it out, the rubber saddles fit on the radiator end tanks, and the end tanks are all the same size, no matter how many rows it has.
Dave, be careful as I believe they are different between non-AC and AC.
The AC ones are wider as are the radiator support openings.
At least on the older ones that mount with clamps across the top of the radiator not bolts into the support.
Originally Posted by xtal_01
Thanks!
Interesting ...the 8 cyl is opposite to my 6.
I am sure this is not the original rad but I like the idea of a 2 row.
Turns out that is the only one I could get quickly anyway ... will be here tomorrow by noon.
Already got the old one out ...first time I have had a tank fail on a rad!
Need to find or make up some kind of rubber for the supports (bottom that goes into cups) ... I am sure there was something there at one time but mine are long gone ... maybe some split heater hose? I looked on 4 sites and nothing listed.
Thanks again!
Don't think I should be seeing the inside of my rad ... but it is clean!
FYI that is a 2 core radiator see the 2 rows of tubes?
I also believe they all come with transmission cooler lines you just dont use them for a manual trans.
Dave ----
Oh if the new radiator dose not come with a new cap get one.
If the old one was bad and would not let the PSI out at the setting it could be why the radiator blew out.
Dave ----
Yes, I did order a new cap. It could have been a weak radiator but you are right, it could be the cap failed.
Reading more it looks like the A/C radiator and the HD cooling system both use the same 2 core radiator.
Since this is what I have, there should b e no problems .... I hope.
Crossing my fingers I can keep it on the road for another year or two.
At 36 in Vermont winters, it is getting rough, I noticed when I had the hood up, I can see holes through it. I have already fiber glassed the floor. Patched the body almost every year to pass inspection. Even put patch panels over the box wheel wells.
I need to find one from the south with no rust .... I just love these old trucks. Simple to work on .... great looking.
As you said could of been a weak radiator and it was time?
I had a 66 Bronco with a small six 3 on the tree and it would push some snow.
Had a guy with a full size Blazer come after me to push the mound higher and could not.
It was a great little truck just not vary fast LOL
Dave ----
Need to find or make up some kind of rubber for the supports (bottom that goes into cups) ... I am sure there was something there at one time but mine are long gone ... maybe some split heater hose? I looked on 4 sites and nothing listed.
Here's what I installed on my '84 F250 351W, but I think these pads are the same for all models:
Thanks but those look like they clamp onto the tank.
On mine, there are two pieces of plastic cast into the tanks that go into a slot.
There is nothing there now but my guess is there was a piece of rubber ... kind of like a tube cut in half I think.
Oh, I see what you mean. Does your radiator look like this picture, from post #2?:
If so, that is totally different from my '84. Those pads I posted sit on the horizontal structure under the radiator. The protruding ears on the bottom fit into holes. The corners of the radiator then sit on top of these pads.
Important disclaimer: This clarification is not to be construed in any manner to imply or even suggest I was wrong.
My thinking was no use putting the new radiator in if there is a head gasket leak .... I don't want to over pressure the new rad.
Funny, #6 was loose and I know I put them all in with a torque wrench (being over cautious since #6 was stuck when I got the engine).
I cleaned up all the seats with a round wire brush.
Got my new compression tester out.
Just did a quick test ... only turned over a few times on each cylinder.
Got about 135 to 150 on all six.
It had just started raining and I am working outside in VT till I get the new shop built.
I will do the test again tomorrow when it is dry and write down the #'s
I can't seem to find a # ... one book says with %10 of high to low ... another says within %25
So .... what should the compression be ?
Honestly I am surprised it is this high .... an 86 engine with at least 200K on it (had to replace the original one last year ... 250K and a rod bearing went).
Also, with this much compression, is it safe to assume I don't have a head gasket leak?
Thanks .... Mike
PS ... the #6 plug was not only loose but the seating area on the plug is full of carbon baked on so it was definitely loose for a while.
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