Buying new radiator

[Mike1919]

On the days that are 100+ degrees when i have the ac on my truck starts running a little warm. It also gets hot when I'm climbing a grade. I figured its the radiator because it can idle all day ond not get hot so I'm thinking the radiator it plugged up. Right now i have a single core radiator being i have a manual transmission. Should i get another single cire radiator brand new or should i get a two core. I don't want to overcool the engine so Id like advice on what you guys would do. I don't go to the mountains too often but it does get really hot quite a bit. Thanks

 

[BLOODBANE]

Make sure its not your fan clutch. If its going out the fan wont spin enough to have adequate air flow. My Explorer was doing this and replaced the fan (and fan clutch) and no more problem

 

[Mike1919]

Well it only gets hot when cruising on the freeway it stays cool while idling.

 

[Mike1919]

So do you think a single core is ok or shoulf i get two core?

 

[Mark_88]

I would get the best rad you can afford if the vehicle is otherwise worth keeping long term...there isn't something such as over cooling the engine from what I understand...the cooler the better in terms of wear and tear...and it shouldn't affect heating the cab but you can always block off some of the rad in really cold weather...just make sure you unblock it when needed.

 

[hank857]

check your rad cap. Had same issue and turns out the cap was not maintaining pressure. Did not puke out just didnt hold. Rather spend $5 for a new cap than the cost of a rad. I bought mine ar autozone and cant remember if single or 2 core, do remember its not very thick.

 

[AndyB.]

I've yet to see an aftermarket radiator, available today, that wasn't made in China, and didn't suck.

If it's not leaking, and is the original, don't replace it. If you believe it's plugged, take it to a radiator shop and get it cleaned.

 

[Aoresteen]

I've been looking for a radiator as well for my 1990 Ranger 2.9L and all I see are single row. Who sells a double row radiator?

 

[Mike1919]

I've been looking for a radiator as well for my 1990 Ranger 2.9L and all I see are single row. Who sells a double row radiator?

Silla auto is who i buy from.

 

[Mike1919]

We frequently get 100 + degree days. Winters are 30 at the lowest. Next question is. Whats better for engine performance and life. Running cooler with the bigger radiator or running normal or maybe a little hot with the smaller?

 

[enjr44]

You can't have too big a radiator. The engine temp is controlled by the thermostat. If it is working correctly, it opens at the rated temp and not before. So if engine is cold or less warm than thermostat's rating it is closed and coolant from the radiator is blocked from entering the engine (well, not blocked from entering; but, blocked from getting out, which amounts to the same thing).

 

[Mike1919]

Ok thank you. I will get the 2 core and call it good

 

[Aoresteen]

Silla auto is who i buy from.

Thanks. I bought one - all aluminum.

 

[Mike1919]

Thanks. I bought one - all aluminum.

2 core or one? I can't find an all aluminum 2 core.

 

[Aoresteen]

2 core or one? I can't find an all aluminum 2 core.

I believe it's one core/row. I could not find a 2 row.