I have been having overheat problems when I pull a heavy load. Changed and checked all parts (fans and thermostat) and am now down to replacing the radiator. At operating temp, the drivers side of the radiator is very hot to the touch. The passenger side of the radiator is barely warm. I believe that I have a plugged radiator and is not properly circulating the coolant. Can I replace my one core stock radiator with a two core oem radiator (since I pull a trailer in South Florida I would like the extra cooling capacity)? Any ideas or tips will help, and am I correct in the temp differences being a plugged radiator.

 

there should be a difference in temperature across the radiator, that means it is working, what i would do is get an infrared thermometer and check the radiator for hotspots

 

If I were you instead of replacing the radiator, do a coolant flush and replace with 60% anti-freeze and 40% water. If it still gets hot put a dual 8" fan on the front of the radiator (between it and the grill).

I too pull a 6,000# dry weight trailer all the time down here in South Florida and have zero problems with heating up. I also have a Jet 180 degree thermostat.

 

I believe the OEM version is a 2 row (core) anyways so there shouldn't be a problem replacing it with the normal radiator that is in it.


There are 2 types available;

1. Includes the auxiliary trans cooler with extra piping and is more expensive because of which.

2. Does NOT include the cooler there for is is cheaper, but it's the same radiator.

 

To add what hydra said, if you're doing heavy towing I'd recommend the transmission cooler as well to save your transmission.

 

Well, I have decided to install a new oem radiator. It seems that I can get a new radiator for less than the price the shops charge for a flush. I can do the work myself, and then I have eliminated the possibility of the radiator being the problem. My only question is if I have to remove the A/C condensor in front of the radiator. That will require a $60 A/C recharge. Thanks for the input. I will update my findings after the swap out and test pull.

 

you should be able to pull the radiator w/o disconnecting the ac condensor

 

+1 Sharps


The condenser shouldn't need to come out or be disconnected. They do share the same mounts but that's it.