swapping up to two-row radiator - bigger cap?

[fireant]

I ordered a two-row radiator for my ranger, and when it arrived, it looks exactly right, except my existing radiator cap is too small for it.

Is there a bigger radiator cap that I should also look for at the salvage yard when I go hunting for my new fan shroud?

 

[Big Jim M]

The radiator cap is of such great importance that I would NEVER buy a USED one! The local parts house should have an exact fit cap for your new radiator.
Big JIm

 

[fireant]

The radiator cap is of such great importance that I would NEVER buy a USED one! The local parts house should have an exact fit cap for your new radiator.
Big JIm

Thanks Big Jim... I will definitely get a new one, but I have no idea what vehicle I need to get it for, since the spout on my new radiator is big enough to stuff my old radiator cap down into... Is there a different model Ford that had the bigger cap that I should ask for?

 

[trail B2]

Big Jims right don't get the cap at a junk yard there cheap too.Take your new radiator into a Napa or whatever and tell them your story and want a cap to fit.If you already put it in bring the old radiator and say its not this one its the other bigger one.

 

[fireant]

Big Jims right don't get the cap at a junk yard there cheap too.Take your new radiator into a Napa or whatever and tell them your story and want a cap to fit.If you already put it in bring the old radiator and say its not this one its the other bigger one.

That's a good idea... I have the old radiator unboxed but not installed. I really dont want to give up on a two-row...I think it will help my Ranger live into the 200K's

 

[fireant]

Following up, I think the radiator (TYC 1164) is originally meant for a 91-94 Explorer 4L. I will see if anyone local carries the rad-cap for it.

 

[Rearanger]

I really dont want to give up on a two-row...I think it will help my Ranger live into the 200K's

The engine temp will stay the same as the thermostat opening temp, regardless of rad size. So unless you're doing some heavy engine loading where the rad can't keep up then engine life because of 2 row rad won't change. If this is an auto you'd be better off putting in a trans cooler if you're doing heavy towing.

 

[fireant]

The engine temp will stay the same as the thermostat opening temp, regardless of rad size. So unless you're doing some heavy engine loading where the rad can't keep up then engine life because of 2 row rad won't change. If this is an auto you'd be better off putting in a trans cooler if you're doing heavy towing.

It is an auto. I'm mainly thinking about logevity of the trans. So a separate trans cooler would be better huh? That would certainly make it easier for me, as I'm not finding any old 91-94 explorers in local yards.

 

[Rearanger]

So a separate trans cooler would be better huh?

Yes, not only to cool trans fluid but to lower heat transfer load on rad since trans fluid circulates through bottom of rad. If you're doing a lot of towing then trans cooler inline with rad cooling (from trans to aux cooler to rad to return of trans) would be the way to go as you don't want the trans fluid too cool, but consider synthetic trans fluid also to withstand heat better. Not doing a lot of towing then not much need. Synthetic engine oil would also withstand more heat as well and flow better on cold start. Regular flushing of trans fluid is also a life extender.

 

[fireant]

Thanks Rearanger. The truck is mainly a Home-Depot hauler, so once every few months it gets a heavy load of whatever in the back. Its also an occasional race-car ambulance, so if my 2000lb CRX is disabled, it can bring it home with a tow-bar...only needed to do that once so far, knock on wood.

I talked to RockAuto about the TYC 1164, which clearly says 91-94 Explorer 4L on the box, and they were at first hesitant to refund my shipping, since it kinda fits, but I convinced them that since you cant really drop it in without doing extra stuff, it should not be listed as a drop-in replacement. They agreed and refunded my my shipping etc.

I have a one-row on the way now and I'll be looking for a replacement cooler.

 

[Rearanger]

I talked to RockAuto about the TYC 1164,... They agreed and refunded my my shipping etc.

RockAuto rocks. The best customer service I have ever seen as well as great prices on parts.

You might want to consider an inline trans filter as well. I use these:
http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=2&Category_Code=inline-filter

 

[fireant]

Reporting back in, I received my 1-row Spectra from Rock auto and swapped it in without a problem. Tightening down the plumbing for the transmission lines was a little scary since I had no reference on how to not over-do it. I put a little Permatex Black RTV on the threads and got them "really tight" by hand.

I also went ahead and replaced the lower radiator hose since I had the truck up on ramps already...that was the hardest part of this by far! I finally figured out if you use vice grips to hold the hose clamp wide open BEFORE you put the hose up in there around the spout its much easier than trying to maneuver the vice grips in there while its already in place.

I guess I'll need to top off the trans fluid since I lost a little with the old radiator, but everything went fine on the test drive.

Thanks again everybody for your advice!