Howdy all,

Radiators got a crack. Anybody got a good source for radiators? Anybody used "replacement" brand? Gotta' love the imagination that went into that name, eh?

Also gotta' put a new thermostat in the truck. Bought an off-brand from somebody this summer (I think Advanced) and I'm pretty sure it stuck shut...the engine got mighty hot before I noticed. That's when I noticed the radiator leakin'.
Autostoned has their own brand (duralast), but I'm hesitant to use it after what I think is the early failure of the other off brand one.
On the other hand, it looks like the OEM ones are not exactly gold either.

Suggestions will be appreciated, and possibly paid attention to.

Thanks in advance,
Vinny

 

Get a genuine Cummins thermostat. Not sure why, but the 5.9's really don't like aftermarket thermostats. If you search on here you'll find the part number.

 

Yep, I agree with that too.

 

We haven't see you in a while, Vinny! Welcome back.

Mine's got an aftermarket radiator that was made in Maylasia of all places. It was in the truck when I bought it in '03 and is still holding up 7 years later.

My genuine Cummins 'stat swings worse than the one I took out, but it does warm up faster.

 

Hey Wanna!

Thanks for the warm welcome back. You gonna' be in the area for the holidays? That rib place still has the most amazing ribs considering they're in IL.
Mmmmm, nothing like Christmas ribs...my treat.

I pulled the thermo (no small feat considering I just had shoulder surgery Monday) and tested it...worked perfect. I'm guessin' because of the low coolant level it wasn't opening, or if it was, there just wasn't enough coolant to keep-up with the engine heat.

Anyway, temporarily plugged the radiator (ahhh, the many uses for bondo), refilled it and finished plowing.
Only thing I noticed was at the slow speeds I plow at, she slowly continues to warm-up. She cools right down when I drive from job to job, so I'm thinkin' I'm beginning to experience the infamous fan clutch failure.

Where's the hot (ha!) ticket place to get a fan clutch? Anybody got a favorite place to get radiators?
Personally I've had good luck with Radiator.com the last few years, just wondering if anybody has THE place to get radiators.

Vinny

 

I got mine from napa. Don't know the brand of it, but is holding well for me. And can't help on the fan clutch, but I can tell you that I had the same thing happen to the gauge when the coolant level was low. My low level was because of the head gasket and radiator. Hope yours is just the rad! Good luck

 

I was just out there for Thanksgiving at my sister's over in Minooka. I probably won't be back until next Thanksgiving. Thanks for the offer, though!

 

Well alrighty then,

Guess I'll see ya' next Thanksgiving with a little luck.

Anyway, are there any fan clutches I don't want to use? Multiple failures, not operating properly, etc. ?

Of course I just read the clutch bearing thread too. Think I should replace that too while I'm in there?

Vinny

 

Jeez,

I never got back to finish this...

Got my radiator at Rockauto. All brass and copper replacement for just over $200 bucks.
First one they sent out was boogered (bad packing), but I got it back to Fedex that day (on their dime), and they sent a new one the next day.
That one was a very nice fitting replacement.
Kept the aftermarket thermo in there...no gauge swing at all. Still does the slow speed creep tho. Thinkin' I still need a fan clutch.

Took the steel brackets off the radiator and took 'er in for scrap last week. I got $52 for the copper...

Vinny