Radiator
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2024
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Radiator
I'm looking for a new radiator to replace my worn out super cooling one in my 79 F250 460/c6. As i'm living in the netherlands, Rockauto would be my best option. Which radiator would be a good choice? and what should i look for?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 1,062
From: Montana
There are a few different options regarding dimensions and how many rows inside. Since you have a 460 you'll probably have the biggest option for a radiator that was offered in these trucks.
Take some measurements of original radiator and the radiator support and try to match those to what you see on rock auto. You want at least a 3 row of you can't find a 4 row in the right size.
I didn't like rock auto's options, as I recall their options were mostly aluminum with plastic tanks which I'm not of fan of and are prone to leaking. I ended up using summit racing since they have all aluminum options as does bronco graveyard, but with you being overseas shipping might be an issue you would have to check into.
Take some measurements of original radiator and the radiator support and try to match those to what you see on rock auto. You want at least a 3 row of you can't find a 4 row in the right size.
I didn't like rock auto's options, as I recall their options were mostly aluminum with plastic tanks which I'm not of fan of and are prone to leaking. I ended up using summit racing since they have all aluminum options as does bronco graveyard, but with you being overseas shipping might be an issue you would have to check into.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
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When originality isn't an issue I've been using the aluminum plastic radiators. I think my oldest one is about 10 years old now and no problems. when you lift the hood you hardly notice it's not original since that's what most new vehicles come with. the solid aluminum jumps at you because it looks 100% aftermarket and cheesy in my opinion.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 1,062
From: Montana
When originality isn't an issue I've been using the aluminum plastic radiators. I think my oldest one is about 10 years old now and no problems. when you lift the hood you hardly notice it's not original since that's what most new vehicles come with. the solid aluminum jumps at you because it looks 100% aftermarket and cheesy in my opinion.
Glad you had luck with the plastic tank version, when I managed a parts store years ago those things were returned a lot due to leaking so I've always stayed away from them.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,877
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I've had no problems, the brand may make a difference. I assume they're all made in China by a few comanies. probably the same companies that make them for the auto industry.
There are some full copper repops made, not cheap but they seem okay. if cost isn't a factor that would be my first choice if you didn't have a core to rebuild.
You're right on the radiator shops, they're going the way of the buffalo hunter.
There are some full copper repops made, not cheap but they seem okay. if cost isn't a factor that would be my first choice if you didn't have a core to rebuild.
You're right on the radiator shops, they're going the way of the buffalo hunter.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
Otherwise looking at RockAuto I'd go with the Spectra Premium CU847 Brass tanks and copper 4 row core.
Do you know Itchy boots?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2024
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We do have repair shops over here. They charged me 1100 euro for a new core. Seemed a bit steep for only a new core while a full alluminum on rockauto would cost me around 500 euro shipped.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2024
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Not sure if you have any radiator repair shops there. New cores are available and you can have your original re-cored. In your situation if have a capable shop in your area that can do the work, then they have to stand behind it if there is a problem. If you have a radiator shipped from US and there is an issue with it, you are stuck dealing with return shipping, replacement which can be a mess.
Otherwise looking at RockAuto I'd go with the Spectra Premium CU847 Brass tanks and copper 4 row core.
Do you know Itchy boots?
Otherwise looking at RockAuto I'd go with the Spectra Premium CU847 Brass tanks and copper 4 row core.
Do you know Itchy boots?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 1,062
From: Montana
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/sp...,radiator,2172
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...goLptISg%3D%3D
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Warwick, RI
Champion
I am replacing my 1976 F250 360 radiator with one from Champion (https://www.championradiators.com). Ordered the wrong one (two different mount options, of course I chose the incorrect one). When I called and spoke with George, he could not have been more helpful. Suggest giving him a call. +1 714-974-1650
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,808
Likes: 2,604
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I'd run one in my '77 if needed (as it may be in 2025). Every other vehicle here has one now.
I forget, is it better to ground the aluminum core, or not, or do it matter?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 1,062
From: Montana
When the aluminum replacement I bought goes in the truck I will be swapping out the drain valve for a small sacrificial anode rod, just like what you use in a home or travel trailer/5th wheel tank water heater. You cannot eliminate galvanic corrosion but you can mitigate its effects by using sacrificial metal such as anode rods. Ocean going vessels have zinc anodes bolted to the hull for the same purpose.
I think proper maintenance/replacement of the coolant and using distilled water is more important than grounds and sacrificial anodes.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
Sorry when doing the drill down menus on RA I picked E-250 instead of F-250 so the CU847 is for a van
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