Engine Code B Radiator
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 2
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Engine Code B Radiator
I have a 1977 base pickup with 300 inline six. Is this engine rare for that year? Most I read about are 8s. I am struggling to find a radiator replacement. Most seen too big as I found on EBAY (said it was a direct fit), and even on some part vendors can't seem to find the one I need. Thoughts? The gross measurements of my stock radiator are 24" wide x 26" to the cap. The core appears to be 18-20" x 18x20 inches. What about "stock appearing" replacements vs Aluminum aftermarket? What are my options there? I prefer to keep it stock-looking, (this is not critical and mainly i just want to keep driving it) and are there people who can send my gutted-up radiator now to restore and refurbish it? would have no problem buying aftermarket and keep the old one for later repair.
Truck is bone stock, drives great--it just not holding seal and on my ride home fluid leaking clearly from it. thanks!
Truck is bone stock, drives great--it just not holding seal and on my ride home fluid leaking clearly from it. thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 362
From: Anderson, California
I have a '77 with the 300.
I believe the 300 radiator supports had a smaller opening than the V-8 supports.
As you know, the 300's run cool. I used to run the kejeebies out of mine while towing, and never overheated the engine even with no fan shroud.
You might consider a new core using your tanks ?
I am superstitious, but I have a local radiator shop build me radiators to fit, and those guys do this stuff for a living.
If you have one locally, I would consult them and pay for the radiators the they know work properly.
off the top of my head, I would look at a radiator for an early Ford Mustang with V-8 for sizing ?
I believe the 300 radiator supports had a smaller opening than the V-8 supports.
As you know, the 300's run cool. I used to run the kejeebies out of mine while towing, and never overheated the engine even with no fan shroud.
You might consider a new core using your tanks ?
I am superstitious, but I have a local radiator shop build me radiators to fit, and those guys do this stuff for a living.
If you have one locally, I would consult them and pay for the radiators the they know work properly.
off the top of my head, I would look at a radiator for an early Ford Mustang with V-8 for sizing ?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
I dont think the 300 in a 77 is all that rare and I have a 300 in my 81 F100.
If you can find a radiator shop now days and if they can or will re-core yours you may find it would be twice as much what a new one runs.
You may also have a hard time finding a radiator that is just like yours as most are ALUM / Plastic and there is nothing wrong with them as I got one in my truck.
I think I got mine from Rock Auto and was a direct fit.
Problem with trying to use a v8 radiator is the inlet / outlet being on the wrong sides.
When they list size most of the time it is core size, they may list mounting size but not always.
Dave ----
edit: not knowing if 150 or 250 I looked up both a Rock Auto for a 300 motor and they both take a 18" radiator for the most part.
1 was listed as 19 1/4" and another at 18 3/8"
So dont know where you are looking?
Dave ----
If you can find a radiator shop now days and if they can or will re-core yours you may find it would be twice as much what a new one runs.
You may also have a hard time finding a radiator that is just like yours as most are ALUM / Plastic and there is nothing wrong with them as I got one in my truck.
I think I got mine from Rock Auto and was a direct fit.
Problem with trying to use a v8 radiator is the inlet / outlet being on the wrong sides.
When they list size most of the time it is core size, they may list mounting size but not always.
Dave ----
edit: not knowing if 150 or 250 I looked up both a Rock Auto for a 300 motor and they both take a 18" radiator for the most part.
1 was listed as 19 1/4" and another at 18 3/8"
So dont know where you are looking?
Dave ----
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2025
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Thanks
Yeah, just measured again --its about 24" wide bolt to bolt left to right on frame and actual core is about 18.5 x 18.5. 26 inches tall. No tranny cooler. I can't for the life of me find a replacement aftermarket. Anyway, I am all for finding a local person. And appreciate the suggestion. I don't have a fan shroud either. What is your parts source for your ride? Imagine here there and everywhere.
My temp sender must be toast but it was obviously over-heating on the my way home and spilling over somewhere. Figure 45 years plus is a good life. No matter how trashed or rusted these things are--they can be refurbished? It has been a long time since I had a radiator serviced in our throw away society. I will shop around! Thanks!
My temp sender must be toast but it was obviously over-heating on the my way home and spilling over somewhere. Figure 45 years plus is a good life. No matter how trashed or rusted these things are--they can be refurbished? It has been a long time since I had a radiator serviced in our throw away society. I will shop around! Thanks!
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