Radiator Thoughts

[jp2005]

I just noticed I have 44 year old radiator from the factory.C9TA-AZ

The facts:
I live in AZ and it's driven everyday.

Recent flush last month, flush before March 2011

No dark spots or rust that I see from flush

Truck runs at a temp of 240 sitting in a drive through on 95 temp day. On a summer day 110 it's about 250-260

Pour cooling additives in it never since I purchased truck two years ago.

Haven't had any problems, just trying to prevent them later on.



Do you guys think I need to replace it anytime soon?

[Bob]

Not until it blows?

[robroy]

Good day JP2005,

I agree with Bob.  If you'd planned an across-the-country road trip a preemptive replacement might be smart, yet for local driving I'd keep running it.  It will probably last for a good number of years to come!  

Plus, as you probably know, finding a high quality replacement's not simply a matter of picking one up in any chain parts store--one has to be selected carefully.

I think you may see a higher return by investing elsewhere.

Robroy

[Bob]

If you would decide to go new I'd go with a four core aluminum given your area and the crazy heat you folks have there. I grabbed one for under $300.oo a month or so ago.

Also... just because it is a factory ford radiator doesn't necissarily mean it's the original that came in it. It could've easily been replaced with a factory part.

[71PA_Highboy]

First... I would get a more accurate reading of the temps.... those temps should cause problems....

Shroud?  Correct fan?

They aren't cheap, but here is where I woudl go if I needed a rad and was going to keep the truck forever...

http://www.usradiator.com/ford-truck-19 ... r.html#OPT

[jp2005]

Thanks for the posts guys, that gives me a better insight on things. Have a great day!

[1972hiboy]

First... I would get a more accurate reading of the temps.... those temps should cause problems....

Shroud?  Correct fan?

They aren't cheap, but here is where I woudl go if I needed a rad and was going to keep the truck forever...

http://www.usradiator.com/ford-truck-19 ... r.html#OPT

 those are some warm temps. I would think 260 degrees would have the temp guaged buried in the red?

[1970 Hi-Boy]

A good radiator shop can put a new core in with more rows(assuming there is room for more, there usually is), I had mine done up this way it's now a 4 row radiator. What a difference! I also put a burp bottle on so as not to loose any coolant and keep her as full as she can be. It's not done as much now as back in the day, the old timers would take out the 180/195 degree and put a 165 degree thermostat in for the summer as well. As always 50/50 on the coolant and no mixing the different kinds, I stick with the old green stuff.  Every little bit helps. Hope you keep your Ford running cool!

[jp2005]

Mmm interestsing I didn't know that.

[Ranchero50]

I'd swap in a decent late model aluminum crossflow one and replace the fan with a thermostatic clutched on.  Add an overflow too.

250 is too hot even if the guage is close.  Open you radiator cap and watch for flow.  Your temp guage should read close to your thermostat.

The stock radiators were too small on everything except the super cooling one...

[jp2005]

I'd swap in a decent late model aluminum crossflow one and replace the fan with a thermostatic clutched on.  Add an overflow too.

250 is too hot even if the guage is close.  Open you radiator cap and watch for flow.  Your temp guage should read close to your thermostat.

The stock radiators were too small on everything except the super cooling one...

So yes I did some research and 250 is to high. First thought was the thermostat, so I brought a new fail safe one. I take water housing outlet off and come to find the the PO wasn't running a thermostat. That's why my truck has been running so HOT! I've had this truck for two years no problems without, I installed a 180. Its runs better now, so I don't think I need a radiator at this point.

[Ranchero50]

It's odd that you need to slow the coolant flow enough so that the radiator will cool it eh?  I think they make the hoses so big that they will hold more coolant.

[jp2005]

I replaced radiator yesterday because engine was still getting to hot after thermostat install. Run truck for 20mins after install of radiator and it's staying cool now. I needed new one always, it was patched with jd weld from when I put a hole in it.