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Guys, has anyone replaced the stock 3-pass radiator with a 4-pass radiator? Coming home from Colorado I noticed the engine temp creeping up on climbs and dropping to normal on flats or downhill. This is a '94 IDI factory turbo that is quite stock. I also have a '72 gasser that had some heat issues and I replaced the 3-pass with a 4-pass and was quite happy with the results.
How about the mister systems I've read about...supposed to increase the cooling efficiency.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
bob
You've got enough cooling system for most any situation. If it's getting hot there is a problem. When was the thermostat last replaced? How about the fan clutch? When was the coolant last flushed/filled?
The stock 94 turbo exhaust downpipe holds a lot of extra heat in the engine and turbo.
That heat finds it's way to the radiator through both the oil and water.
Open up the exhaust and let the heat out the exhaust pipe.
Truck will run cooler and power will increase also, win win deal.
I have found the stock diesel radiators to be generously sized. Still on my factory radiators on both the 91 and 93. Clearly any and all fouling that these radiators have seen over the last 15 years have not affected the cooling needs of the diesel engine.
If you are getting hot you should starting looking for the source of the overheating problem. (Thermostat, badly fouled radiator, slipping fan clutch to name a few........)
Note sure whether the cost of a four pass over a three pass would be justified seeing that the factory radiators do quite well as long as the coolant additives are maintained and the antifreeze is changed out every couple of years.
Guys,
Thanks a lot...I've owned this truck for approx 9 months and everything is pretty much stock. I'll change the coolant, and I have no idea about the thermostat so I'll change it out also. What is recommended temperature range on the thermostat?
I have a muffler guy in town who is quite good with diesels and has been recommended by 3 different diesel owners. I'll talk to him about increasing the diameter of my exhaust.
Thanks again.
bob
Last edited by badam; Aug 1, 2006 at 11:35 AM.
Reason: add'l info
Go with the Factory thermostat (195 F). Best to get your thermostat from a Ford or International Dealer. Some of the Autoparts stores offer products that are not compatible with the Diesel engines. (i.e. the couple of bucks you save are not worth taking a chance)
Also not that the thermostat housing has a separate air bleed check valve in the body of the housing. Check the stainless steel ball and seat, make sure it is working propery and not gummed up with stuff.