Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

diesel engine cooling

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 03:51 PM
  #1  
drewdole1's Avatar
drewdole1
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
diesel engine cooling

i want extra cooling compacity for my 7.3 diesel in my f350 box truck. ive been looking at 4 row radiators. what is better a downflow or crossflow and i guess aluminum is better than brass and copper
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 05:24 PM
  #2  
sign_man's Avatar
sign_man
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Jackson
Never heard of the stock setup being inadequate. If you are running hot be advised the thermostat needs to be from International or Ford and there is a check ball in the neck. Make sure it hasn't been left out and that it is free. Lastly, make darn sure you have DCA (diesel cooling additive) aka SCA (supplimental cooling additive) to avoid cavitation holes in your block.

On edit: I assumed you have an older IDI diesel. Powerstrokes are different. You may want to repost in the appropriate diesel engine page.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 05:46 PM
  #3  
drewdole1's Avatar
drewdole1
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
where is check ball and where do i get a diesel cooling additive
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2008 | 11:11 PM
  #4  
dyoungen's Avatar
dyoungen
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 0
From: Perry Georgia
Thumbs up

The check ball is in the thermostat housing close to the thermostat. If you look at the end that bolts to the block there is a hole where the ball is. It might be rusted in place. If the ball falls out there is a fix that I used. I used a brass nut off of a compression fitting that was just slighty larger than the hole. I filed the edges till it could be pressed into the hole and not fall out. Just make sure the ball is loose enough to move around in the hole. Next the thermostat. Make sure the thermostat is a FORD or IH thermostat. I tried thermostats from ADVANCE and NAPA. They DO NOT WORK. The diesel cooling additive I buy from NAPA. I think it is pink in color.
 
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2008 | 07:20 AM
  #5  
Lazy K's Avatar
Lazy K
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
What he says and make sure your fan clutch is OK.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jimmystoys
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Aug 26, 2014 05:09 AM
canadian_diesel1964
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 10, 2013 08:40 AM
tjc transport
General Diesel Discussion
18
Nov 24, 2012 10:43 AM
akula22
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
18
Jun 16, 2005 05:36 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:25 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE