Diesel radiator

[Itali83]

hey guys, I’ve searched and found a lengthy thread about the diesel radiators and how only plastic ones are available from local parts stores now. I have found some all aluminum ones online also.

From the guys who’ve bought aftermarket radiators, how have they held up? I hate the look/idea of plastic radiator tanks but also don’t want to put money into my brass radiator to get it re-cored, if I can even find a local radiator shop that’ll still do that. Only to have one of the oil coolers fail in the tank because it’s 33 years old.

So, whose radiator seems to be the best? Should I just get a Napa one because they’re local and easy to get if something should go wrong? Or spring for an all aluminum one from the interwebs and cross my fingers?

Thanks guys!

Ben

 

[Blue Ox]

I changed my brass-copper for an aluminum-plastic Harrison many years ago and wish I had done I sooner.
Obviously Harrison isn't around anymore, but it probably was swallowed up by Delphi.

My guess is that the size and core count of the original radiator wasn't capable of dealing with the vibration that the diesel imparted to it.

I've replaced a lot of brass-copper radiators. I've never replaced the Harrison.

YMMV.

 

[Itali83]

The core of mine is getting soft in the bottom corners and starting to weep a bit. Structurally it’s fine, just age and corrosion is taking its toll.

How many rows is your radiator? I don’t tow or anything strenuous with this truck, but do want to make it long road trip ready for some trips next year with the family.

Thanks.

Ben

 

[Blue Ox]

How many rows is your radiator?

One.

But it's a really big one.

 

[Nonstop]

Mine is not a Diesel, but replaced my brass a few months ago with aluminum and plastic. My reasoning was that I will LIKELY have some indicator it will be going out. If/when that happens, I can order a new one and still drive with the leaky one until it comes in. Replace it the same day and bring the old one back, covered under lifetime warranty. The new one cools better than my 4 core brass.