I am getting pulled out of semi-retirement by client requests which means my personal 7.3, cc, 4x4 03', is going back on the road. Its had minimal use over the last four years. The truck will be travelling across the country to various projects over the coming years plus I am looking at buy a large piece of property in another state, (getting out of this S-Hole California)

Over the last couple months as I can get parts in I have been doing some PM and upgrades. Going to swap out the tranny in the next couple of days, and part of that included installing a Mishimoto tranny cooler.

Now I am down to the radiator. Never had any cooling issues and its been flushed etc... on a regular maintenance schedule. About three years ago I started seeing a slow loss of fluid from the Degas bottle. The fluid level would drop down below the where the upper radiator tank mounts to the radiator itself. Also I started seeing a lite white splatter on the front of the engine, and a powdery residue where the tanks mount on the top and bottom of the radiator. I'm guessing the rubber seals are finally giving out and I am getting a very slight weeping from the seal which is causing the splatter as the truck fan runs.

1) Have any of you just had the OEM radiator flushed and re-sealed? I am figuring the radiator is 20 years old, well maintained but wondering if its really worth the effort to drop it off at my go to shop and have them pressure test it, dip it and reseal it.

2) I get a corporate discount from my Ford Dealer and I was pretty surprised to find that my cost on a OEM radiator was just shy of $500. I am not opposed to putting one in, but I also want to look at alternatives. First I am not going to with a cheap brand radiator, money is not the issue. I cannot afford to have a failure in the coming years with the amount of traveling and mileage I am about to put on this truck. So with that said I am looking for any feedback on the Mishimoto Radiator.

3) any alternative radiator suggestions?

 

I’d go with another one from Ford, probably the best combination of quality and price point.

 

Ford has some pretty good warranty coverage. Need to check fine print though, if it is installed by the dealer the warranty may be longer and cover more, like replacement at another dealer while away from home dealer. It may not be a thing anymore but doesn't hurt to ask.

 

Are you still running the green coolant and/or water pump or has it been converted to the red ELC coolant? Our Excursion developed a leak at the top driver side...where your knee typically goes when one is wrenching on the engine...and I considered having it rebuilt. Even in this large town it was hard to find a place for the rebuild, but what made my final decision was the fact that the plastic end tanks are simply crimped in place with a large o-ring. I wound up just replacing it with a cheap...$200...all welded up aluminum unit and never looked back. I went ahead and ordered another aluminum radiator for my F350 when I had time to do the ELC conversion and it wasn't leaking. At this time I also replaced the radiator hoses with the upper unit that goes in behind the belt to the radiator mounting bracket as aforementioned. Some guys just go get the stock type radiator at the local parts store that has a lifetime warranty but I don't want to be on the side of the road if those plastic end tank o-rings fail. I did keep the unit out of my F350 for a spare. It has probably been 10+- years ago since I installed them and have had no issues and still glad I did it...

 

I went down the road and researched radiators for weeks/months. I ended up buying what I thought would be a nice quality all aluminum radiator from RockAuto for $400. First one was bent, so they sent me a replacement. I waited a few months to finally install the replacement with all new hoses, stainless steel clamps, degas bottle, etc. I pulled my original 2001 Ford radiator out, it looked great (had a 2001 date stamp on it still). Felt about 35 lbs. I grab the new Aluminum one and it felt like tin foil. Go to install and it also is bent and unable to be installed (mounting pins wouldn't line up!) Missed my return window at RockAuto... So I am out $400 and after seeing the differences in quality and weight I am going to stick with my Ford/Motorcraft.

*Edit: Not RockAuto's fault at all. The radiators were drop shipped from the supplier. I will continue to support RockAuto... My fault for not checking part in time.

 

ive replaced three radiators with these china made all aluminum radiators and i had absolutely not one issue. my latest was my wifes QX56. The radiator that came was more stout then the factory radiator. First thing i do when i get a part is open it up and check for damage and quality.
I woudl trace down the supplier and see if they will at least exchange it.

 

I run a Misimoto radiator on my 91 7.3IDI. I don't drive it much but so far its worked out well. It is much lighter, but then my old one was full of rust and mud. (thats what kept it from leaking)