Radiator Question

[old tired rebel]

My truck has a small 2 row rad that came in the truck. It has a overheating problem if it gets past 65* outside the previous owner said I couldn't run a thermostat because of it. I told him that the truck needed a bigger rad he stated that it was the biggest one they make,which I find that hard to believe since these trucks came with big blocks. He also stated that I would have to cut the rad support to put in a bigger rad. Has anyone here put in a rad for a 440 rad in place of one that came with a 318?

I found a 4 row Aluminum one for $214.00 called a Heatbuster at Advance Auto

[77Utiline]

Only difference between these radiators is the width and height. Problem there is you could have any number of different sizes. You'll need to measure the height and width of you current rad. And remeber that the height and width dimensions are actually (9 times out of 10) width x height

[old tired rebel]

Only difference between these radiators is the width and height. Problem there is you could have any number of different sizes. You'll need to measure the height and width of you current rad. And remeber that the height and width dimensions are actually (9 times out of 10) width x heightThe Rad I'm looking at is 18x26x201/4

The one in my truck now is 22 1/2x 23x2 1/2 and is only a 2 row rad

[75 Power Wagon]

I got an aluminum 2-row radiator that replaced my 3-core original radiator recently... Had to fabricate up mounting brackets, but it's defiantely somethign that you can do... and I would suggest... so far i've had no cooling problems at all, but if you are gonna go that far.. I suggest upgrading to an electric fan also.

[old tired rebel]

I had planned to do that along with a trans cooler at the same time. I hope with those changes and antifreeze from the Dodge dealer and some water wetter that it will take care of the problem.

[acton mike]

just out of curiosity what engine are you running; I am not sure from the post if you are running a 318 or a 440

most engines will do fine with a stock radiator unless you are doing heavy hauling or you have engine modifications that are introducing additional heat

so, unless you have engine mods or are doing something like really heavy pulling, I would be looking at checking to see if the radiator is plugged or if you have some other cooling system problem

[old tired rebel]

I have a 347 Stroker.

318 block Bored 60 over
360 crank (after market)
JE pistons
280* purple cam,lifters,valvetrain
340 intake
J heads
600 edelbrock carb
headers
727 trans with shift kit
3200 stall converter
9.25 rear with 3.55 gears and powertrax posi unit.

I don't have enough radiator to keep it cool on nice days

[Speed Dragon]

If it came w/ the small rad originally, you'll have to cut the rad support some to use the bigger rad. Vans, especially heavy duty ones (ie 3/4 or 1-ton), usually have the big rads in them. I ran one in mine for a long time, didn't have any problems.

Right now I have a Gm crossflow rad, out of a box-Chevy (77-91 Caprice/Impala). Had to majorly chop the rad support, but it works great. Only problem is getting it to warm up lol.

[bherder]

"the previous owner said I couldn't run a thermostat because of it."

That could be part of your prob right there... You actually need a thermostat so it won't overheat. The thermostat acts like a restrictor and will slow the flow of coolant through the system. If the coolant is running through the system too fast, it doesn't get the time needed to sufficiantly cool down.

And of course, you might really need a radiator anyway ;)

I replaced the stock 2 row in my B2500 with a 4 row a few years back.. The only difference was, it was a little thicker. Other than that, everything fit fine.

[old tired rebel]

I put a thermostat in right after I bought it 160* but it was a little small so I hammered the edges out to make it a little bigger so I plan on putting another in when I make the changes. I just found out they have 2 different sizes so I'll get the bigger one.

[B-300]

I put a 3-row, 26" wide radiator in place of the 2-row, 22 " wide radiator on my B-300 van.
I looked at the 4-row heat buster, but it's core was only 2-1/4" compared to the 3-row at 2". This meant the tubes were smaller and more likely to plug-up.
On my van there were dimples in the radiator supports to show the location for the mount holes for the larger radiator.
I see that you have a built engine and high-stall convertor. You definenitly need a tranmission cooler. (This puts a lot of heat into the cooling system)
--B-300--

[old tired rebel]

I most likely go with the 3 row rad with an electric fan. As soon as I get that done I'll get a trans cooler mounted and do a service on the trans at the same time.

[77Utiline]

And definitely go with a 195 degree t-stat. The 160's open too soon and stay open too long in order to efficiently cool the system.

[old tired rebel]

And definitely go with a 195 degree t-stat. The 160's open too soon and stay open too long in order to efficiently cool the system.With the engine I have will the 195* help keep it cooler?

[B-300]

Why a 3200rpm convertor? The cam you have is suited for about 2200 stall convertor. All of the extra heat produced by the convertor is a death nail in your transmission not to mention the overheating problem.
Another possibilty for overheating is leaking combustion gases into the cooling system by cracked head(s) or leaking head gasket(s).
I would put a transmission cooler on ASAP.
--B-300--

[L5wolvesf]

Another possibilty for overheating is leaking combustion gases into the cooling system by cracked head(s) or leaking head gasket(s).


Good thought on the head/gasket.

If not what condition and pressure rating is the cap?

[old tired rebel]

Why a 3200rpm convertor? The cam you have is suited for about 2200 stall convertor. All of the extra heat produced by the convertor is a death nail in your transmission not to mention the overheating problem.
Another possibilty for overheating is leaking combustion gases into the cooling system by cracked head(s) or leaking head gasket(s).
I would put a transmission cooler on ASAP.
--B-300--I didn't put the convertor in it was already in the truck when I bought it. Right now I'm only driving it once every 2 weeks or when needed for short distances. I have a lot of changes to make to have it more streetable.

[AMP762]

With a 3200 conv. and 3.55 rear that thing never locks at legal speeds. That is hard on the cooling system.

[old tired rebel]

With a 3200 conv. and 3.55 rear that thing never locks at legal speeds. That is hard on the cooling system.This is one of the changes I'm have been thinking about. I plan on finding a A-500 trans to put in my truck. the overdrive will help in my daily driving when I get some of the work done on my truck.