Do I need a new radiator or is this an easy fix? - Page 5

SixCardCharlie · 06-06-2016, 10:49 PM

can anyone with the performance radiator share their opinions?
Does it actuslly help with cooling temps or are you just getting rid of plastic?

I snapped the plastic hose fitting and im going to replace the radiator instead of rig up a fix.

EDIT,
Theres 3 models for the 04 year. Does anyone know if the different models offer anything the other models dont?

**daveb** · 06-07-2016, 02:00 AM

Can't really say. I added an engine tune and it changed things a bit. For the price I feel the radiator is worth it. I will say that I took it by your place the other day and between the tune and the radiator installed recently, I pulled the Twain Heart grade with no problems at all. The temps seemed to be less than last year with way more power than before.

JoeH · 06-07-2016, 07:51 AM

Yah, hard to quantify but mine might be running 5 degrees or maybe even 10F cooler. But at the same time I had the radiator replaced I also installed a bigger tranny cooler and hood louvers. I do think the fins on the Tru-Cool Max tranny cooler allow more air to pass through which must also help.

carringb · 06-07-2016, 07:55 AM

Unless there is more heat exchanger surface area, it won't help with cooler over the OEM unit. I think most of the time when somebody sees an improvement, it's because they were fixing an existing condition that would have been fixed with a new OEM unit as well (such as bent or plugged fins, maybe even goop inside from using the wrong coolant).

All-metal is certainly more durable however, and that on its own is a good reason for one. That said... the vans aren't as hard on them as the pickups... I always tried to encourage F-series PSD owners to go all-metal, because those trucks can apply some twist to the radiator, because the chassis on it's own twists a lot more.

SixCardCharlie · 06-07-2016, 10:23 AM

alright cool. Going to go ahead and pull the trigger. Thanks guys!

@Dave,
When i go up the mountain from your area my fan usually kicks on around mi wuk village. When i first had my failing injectors replaced i went WOT up the twain harte grade and had no problems. That was the only time o did that though actually i almoat hever go WOT.

SixCardCharlie · 06-07-2016, 10:24 AM

oh one more thing. The 3 different models that fit my year.. Does amyone know if one is better than the others or does it not matter?

SixCardCharlie · 08-10-2016, 08:51 PM

Im having trouble removing the fan shroud. The radiator is off of the mounts now and i cant get the fan shroud to seperate to slide out. I watch diesel tech ron do it and he removed it with eaze. Anyone have any expirence?

SixCardCharlie · 08-10-2016, 09:31 PM

edited my post for more clarity ^

ShuttlePilot · 08-10-2016, 11:21 PM

I had to get carefully medieval to separate mine the first time. Second time was as easy as Ron's video. (still can't believe he passed away). Also make sure you have all four bolts completely out or at least clear of the block. Mine seem to like to stick out and hang up which makes it that more difficult.

Hope this helps
-Eric

SixCardCharlie · 08-11-2016, 10:25 AM

So are there bolts on the bottom? I looked around and couldnt find any.

And man i didnt know he died! Sad to hear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShuttlePilot

I had to get carefully medieval to separate mine the first time. Second time was as easy as Ron's video. (still can't believe he passed away). Also make sure you have all four bolts completely out or at least clear of the block. Mine seem to like to stick out and hang up which makes it that more difficult.

Hope this helps
-Eric