Radiator
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Radiator
I am trying to resolve cooling issues in my '79 F250 while towing a trailer up mountain passes (my questions started in this thread in the 335 engine forum).
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ximum-rpm.html
The truck originally (when I bought it) had a smaller 3 core radiator with no fan shroud and a fixed 5 blade fan. I replaced it with a larger 3 core radiator with new shroud and a 7 blade clutch fan. With this setup the truck cools better while stopped and does fine everywhere except while pulling the trailer up large hills at 3000 - 3200 rpm's. I am installing a new water pump, thermostat and it has new hoses. I'm thinking of also upgrading the radiator to the optional 4 core unit but the price is a little tough to swallow. I went to a junkyard today with the intention of buying a used one and taking it to a shop to be cleaned and tested. All they had were 3 core however and all were pretty rough looking. So I guess I'm just looking for that final nudge over the edge to order a new 4 core and the fan shroud that goes with it. Any thoughts on radiators and where to purchase them from?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ximum-rpm.html
The truck originally (when I bought it) had a smaller 3 core radiator with no fan shroud and a fixed 5 blade fan. I replaced it with a larger 3 core radiator with new shroud and a 7 blade clutch fan. With this setup the truck cools better while stopped and does fine everywhere except while pulling the trailer up large hills at 3000 - 3200 rpm's. I am installing a new water pump, thermostat and it has new hoses. I'm thinking of also upgrading the radiator to the optional 4 core unit but the price is a little tough to swallow. I went to a junkyard today with the intention of buying a used one and taking it to a shop to be cleaned and tested. All they had were 3 core however and all were pretty rough looking. So I guess I'm just looking for that final nudge over the edge to order a new 4 core and the fan shroud that goes with it. Any thoughts on radiators and where to purchase them from?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
For aftermarket, I like Modine radiators for cheap ones and Be Cool for nice aluminums ones. Modines run in the $200-300 range and Be Cool starts around $650 and works up to well over $1000.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
If you do find an original Ford Super Cooling radiator, be aware Ford used a different core support when the radiators were factory installed. The Super Cooling radiators are wider, so you will have to open up the radiator cooling area on your present core support and drill new mounting holes. The fan shroud is also different.
It would be easier, IMO, to have your present radiator enlarged to a 4 row. That way, you won't have to mess with the core support, and you can retain your present fan shroud.
Besides, buying a used radiator is like buying a pig in a poke. You won't know the condition till you either try it, or take it to a radiator shop for evaluation.
It would be easier, IMO, to have your present radiator enlarged to a 4 row. That way, you won't have to mess with the core support, and you can retain your present fan shroud.
Besides, buying a used radiator is like buying a pig in a poke. You won't know the condition till you either try it, or take it to a radiator shop for evaluation.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jul 29, 2007 at 02:29 PM.
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Thanks guys,
Anyone have opinions of Ready-rad radiators?
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...ype=31&PTSet=A
Anyone have opinions of Ready-rad radiators?
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...ype=31&PTSet=A
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Take a look at this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...light=radiator
Bill, (numberdummy) is a real authority, but in this particular case we differ slightly. I would strongly suggest that increasing the frontal area of the radiator will give better results than increasing the core depth. Even at the expense of changing the core supports and the shroud.
This approach also promotes underhood airflow which will take the heat load off other coolers and the ac condenser and the cab itself.
Bill, (numberdummy) is a real authority, but in this particular case we differ slightly. I would strongly suggest that increasing the frontal area of the radiator will give better results than increasing the core depth. Even at the expense of changing the core supports and the shroud.
This approach also promotes underhood airflow which will take the heat load off other coolers and the ac condenser and the cab itself.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by Bdox
Take a look at this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...light=radiator
Bill, (numberdummy) is a real authority, but in this particular case we differ slightly. I would strongly suggest that increasing the frontal area of the radiator will give better results than increasing the core depth. Even at the expense of changing the core supports and the shroud.
Bill, (numberdummy) is a real authority, but in this particular case we differ slightly. I would strongly suggest that increasing the frontal area of the radiator will give better results than increasing the core depth. Even at the expense of changing the core supports and the shroud.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jul 29, 2007 at 03:17 PM.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
So we don't disagree at all. It just comes down to dollars. But I would still have confidence that the outcome would be best with the larger frontal area radiator.
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I thought I found a 4 row unit at NAPA for $306. I called and verified that they had it in stock, jumped in my truck and raced down there to beat closing time. Of course when I got there they had none in stock... Son of a! 30 miles worth of gas wasted.
I found this link in another thread and purchased this one:
http://www.radiatorworld.com/radiato...no=23659&cat=1
It is almost exactly the same core size as the one I have currently installed with a new fan shroud so I'm hoping it will go in without too much modification. Will have to get it in hand to see.
Thanks for the responses...
I found this link in another thread and purchased this one:
http://www.radiatorworld.com/radiato...no=23659&cat=1
It is almost exactly the same core size as the one I have currently installed with a new fan shroud so I'm hoping it will go in without too much modification. Will have to get it in hand to see.
Thanks for the responses...
Last edited by wick246; Jul 29, 2007 at 05:48 PM.
Post Fiend
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From: Central Florida
If you need the upmost in cooling, Becool is hard to beat. If you can fabricate, Flex-a-light has a line of Aluminum Rads that look as nice and perform as well as becool and are a little cheaper.
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