Radiator replacement advice needed

[BillinVA]

I just joined to see if my radiator leak problems were a common issue with older OHV 4.0L engines. In December 2009, the original Ford radiator in my 1997 Ranger Supercab 4X4 with AT and AC after 12 year and 107K miles started leaking at the driver’s side tank and core seam.

I had it replaced at a garage with a standard OEM replacement dual core that was 2.25" thick. I also had all the hoses replaced and a got new T-stat. I would have done the radiator R&R myself, but with cold weather and work, speed and ease was of the essence.

11 months and 6500 miles later in November 2010, the same problem resurfaced. Took it back to the shop and they replaced it under warranty, also with the 2.25" core.

Now in January 2012, after about 6000 miles I again saw the tell tale green spot and it was seeping at the driver’s side seam. However, this time the only time it leaks is at initial start-up and before the T-stat opens. It is a standard 195 degree Ford thermostat. There is no loss of coolant in the overflow tank, and the tank level goes up and down with temperature, so it is not clogged. Also there is no overheating. There is no head gasket leakage problem either
I decided to do it myself and bought new Ford support bushings (the old ones were 14+ years old and hard, and I have had a number of reports from garages about vibration affecting the tank/core seal.

I was going to get a custom made full metal radiator, but the cost put that Idea on hold, so I looked for the best warrantee, and then bought a new radiator, 2 new radiator caps, a 13 pound and the Ford cap, and new stock T-stat. The radiator is supposed to be a dual core, but when getting ready to install it yesterday, I noticed the core is only 1.75" thick. I verified online and with other parts places and it is the correct part number of 1721 on the part and the box, and it is a dual core. They also pulled up the other brands and looked at the detailed specs and they have 2.25" dual cores, even when sharing the same numeric part number. It has a lifetime warranty.

However, I still find other brands online that have the 2.25" core. All the single cores are 1", including the one made by the manufacturer of the one I have, and usually have a number of 1722.

As Virginia is hot and humid in the summer, I run AC about 99% of the time in the summer, so I am a bit concerned about a .5” narrower core being able to dump the heat as well.

I will go back to the vendor tomorrow AM and talk to them in person, but talks with their main office said it is the approved OEM replacement.

So, I am wondering do I return it and go with the other brands 2.25” core or keep this one. The others are Spectra, and I have heard some negatives about their longevity.

Thanks.

 

[BillinVA]

Solution!!!

Took the radiator back. Due to the odd sized core,neither the dual or single core fan shround would have fit without mods. The dual core would have required a piece to fill the gap between where the 2.25" core would be and the single core shroud would have not lined up. Bizarre. It totally stumped the radiator vendor. They could find no reference to any radiator with a 1.75" core. Replaced it with the correct dual core 2.25" piece with the same part number. The manager believes it may be a manufacturer factory error since it is correctly marked, packed and labled like the replacement 2.25" radiator from a different manufacturer.

 

[RC]

BilinVA
Howdy
I don't see in your sig if you have an auto or manual trans. That said Auto trans radiators are two core, at least when I last ordered one several years ago. All are chinese manufacture but what can you do? To get an all brass unit at a decent price, you need to order 1000 units minimum (maybe enough) and they are still from-----You guessed it china.
Later
Robert