[wormturns]

This is for an '84 F-250 with a '91 7.3 engine.

The original rad has recently gone beyond the "weep" stage and has began "spewing". It's my daily driver and I don't feel a chemical/additive solution will get it done. Did try some of the Bar's Leak "stir-fry" type (tumeric, ginger and almond, ha ha) but it didn't last long.

It's old enough that I think it would be a waste of time and money to have it checked by a radiator shop for possible repair. And this route would have logistics issues.

So far I have had 4 rads ordered (couple different parts houses); all were supposed to be spec'ed as 4 row copper/brass (same as original). Out of the four, one came 3 row copper/brass(Proliance) and the other three came aluminum core with tupperware tanks (plastic). Apparently, no one in my area can get a 4 row copper/brass.

I might consider and all aluminum (welded) rad but can't find any locals that can order one. Don't really like the idea of online/mail ordering anything this large and heavy as any issues or returns gets costly. And mail order warranties are weak.

So I guess my question is, do the 3 row copper/brass (which look a little anemic compared to a 4 row) get the job done in our diesels?

And I'm running DCA-2 with Zerex 5/100 green. Would there be issues with aluminum and DCA-2- I've read that DCA-4 does a better job protecting aluminum?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Believer45]

I would have your existing radiator recored at a good radiator shop. They will take off the tanks, clean and install a new core in the center. You will have what you want - all metal radiator in excellent shape. I have run maintenance shops for trucking companies for 14 years and this is usually what we did until a replacement started costing the same or a bit less than recoring the existing radiator.

Dave / Believer45

 

[Snotzalot]

Where are you ordering from? I ordered one for my E350 last fall from my local wrecking yard, and got a 4 row copper/brass first try.

 

[RLDSL]

Before instantly condemning the 3 row jobs did you measure them? Many times the 3 row rads will actually have a higher volume than the 4 row. You have to buckle down and count tubes, rows of tubes, measure size and area of tubes etc. A lot of builders have found the 4 row cores restrictive and the 3 row cores flow better and opt for a higher volume 3 row core.

Personally, if you REALLY want a spankin' radiator, you need to call the guy at Rodney Red - Pontiac Performance Radiator and have him make you up a radiator ( his are only 2 row cores ) for a seriously fancy all aluminum all welded radiator :thumbsup: They aint cheap, but you can say goodby to overheating, I don't care what you're pulling. I love mine. I was the first one to get one of those made up for one of these beasts, and it was worth every penny. Been developing this bad habit of polishing the darn thing though :lol:

 

[73dieselcowboy]

I agree shipping would be more than the rad have you ever taken one of theses beadts out i took mine out when i put the new engine in started lifting it out by myself and gave up called abuddy and it took 2 of us, i didnt realise how big they where till you get it on the floor looks like one from a pete.:ford:

 

[RLDSL]

I agree shipping would be more than the rad have you ever taken one of theses beadts out my god i took mine out when i put the new engine in started lifting it out by myself and gave up called abuddy and it took 2 of us, i didnt realise how big they where till you get it on the floor looks like one from a pete.:ford:

I had hoped my aluminum rad would be lighter but that sucker is made of some serious aluminum plate, the darn things is just as heavy

 

[WhiteGardens]

My rad, if I'm not mistaken, is a 4 row, more square shaped rad, and they considered an HD rad. The first time I ordered a rad they sent me a 3 row, more rectangular rad that wouldn't fit in the truck.

I still think the volumes on both were the same.

Don't discount the Aluminum one with the plastic tanks. That's the one I have and at first I thought it was crap. After calling around to some shops everyone agreed that the plastic tank radiators are just as good if not better than the older style.