Radiator questions
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Newhall,CA
Radiator questions
Hey guys I've got a 78 f250 4x4 that came with a 351m and somewhere along the line it had a 460 swapped into it. I'm pretty sure its still got a 351 sized radiator and i'm running a 5 blade flex fan. I've come very close to overheating a couple times and its 100+ around here this time of year so i've decided to order the super cooling 4 row radiator that I've seen people talking about. so on with my questions. Where's the best place to get one? Will I have any issues with fitment due to the 460 swap? And what's the difference between an A/C radiator and one for a truck without? My truck has an aftermarket A/C system so i'm not sure which radiator i should order.thanks in advance!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
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From: Hesperia, CA
There are several models of the new cross flow radiators available. They are a heck of a lot more efficient than the old down flow factory types. FTE site sponsors have them, just go up and click on one. If you want to retain the stock appearance go to radiator shops in your area. They can be quite helpful if you can find an old time radiator shop with a guy that likes to talk.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Saratoga, NY
did you ever consider an electric fan? put a pusher in front along with the engine driven fan, bet that would even make your a/c work better
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Senior User
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From: Newhall,CA
Well after some poking around here i've read that flex fans don't work very well at slow speeds, or at any speeds for that matter. I think i'm going to go with a dual electric puller setup. I've always kinda wanted to do it so now i have a better excuse than i've ever had before haha.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Hesperia, CA
Originally Posted by AirSmitty
Well after some poking around here i've read that flex fans don't work very well at slow speeds, or at any speeds for that matter. I think i'm going to go with a dual electric puller setup. I've always kinda wanted to do it so now i have a better excuse than i've ever had before haha.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Use at least a three core radiator as big as you can get. A 4 core radiator does not add 25% to your radiator capacity over a 3 core unit, -more like 10%. Use a regular duty thermostatic clutch fan with a full OEM shroud that fits the fan and radiator. A heavy duty thermostatic clutch unit can increase cooling capacity but will increase noise levels. A pusher electric fan is a good addition if you find your cooling system is marginal. There are a number of other things inside the engine like rust/scale that can severely impact cooling system capacity. The flex fans work OK for a racer but are worthless for a working truck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Side note: If you can get your hands on some GOOD de-ionized water, run a gallon through your engine. Not for long... just 15 minutes or so. Cleans the rust/scaling right out.
If you leave it in too long, it'll clean your head gaskets right out too ;-)
If you leave it in too long, it'll clean your head gaskets right out too ;-)
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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The 4 core looks like it would be awful close to the steering box. I've seen pictures with them in there but I don't know what would be involved in getting one in there because they never came in a 77.5-79 4x4 truck + the different core support types. You would have to get the right mount type for your support. I priced one localy not long ago it was 238$. The only other option was getting mine recored to 4 core which was real pricy but then I'd know it would slip back in with no problems. More than one person has told me the Royal Purple additive was well worth putting in.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Las Vegas
I also have a 1978 F250 4x4. Did not come with factory AC. Swaped in a 460. Ordered my radiator from here and it fit perfect. BTW.... It's a Modine 4 core
http://www.radiatorworld.com/radiatorworldFinal/displayProducts.aspx?carno=23659&cat=1
Ordered my fan shroud from dennis carpenter, and i was good to go.
http://www.radiatorworld.com/radiatorworldFinal/displayProducts.aspx?carno=23659&cat=1
Ordered my fan shroud from dennis carpenter, and i was good to go.
Last edited by deisele75; Jul 4, 2007 at 09:06 PM.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by czaroc
There is a difference between those with AT vs MT I believe
Czaroc, the same radiator was used for Extra Cooling as it was for A/C.
What IS different between the Standard/Extra Cooling/Air Conditioning radiators and the 4 row Super Cooling radiator is the core support. The support is different if the 4 row S/C radiator was factory installed. To fit a S/C radiator to a truck that didn't have one, the radiator mounting area must be opened up.
Eric: The Super Cooling radiator core is 2 5/8" thick, while the other cores ranged from 1 1/4" to 1 15/16" thick.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jul 5, 2007 at 06:36 AM.