bigwheels94

I was wondering if there was an aftermarket radiater for the 3rd. gens. I think the stock one is a 2 core. Is there a 3 core? I've noticed that when pulling heavy up steep hills I have run hot enough to lock up the fan clutch a couple times. Any advice? TIA.

mudslinger

A question that I would love to know the answer to as well.

jrussell

The stock radiator is pretty friggin' big! I doubt anyone makes a bigger aftermarket one.

The fan clutch is supposed to lockup...that's what it's designed to do. Obviously towing uphill is going to run warmer than empty on flat ground. Why does the clutch locking up concern you?

haloman

Fuel mileage could be a concern... but I think when towing a load the fan clutch should lock up, thats normal operation

bigwheels94

I don't know about the newer trucks, but my truck (04.5) locks up @ about 220-230*. To me that's too high water temp. I'll see the needle about 1/4 the way past the 200* mark on the gauge when pulling a heavy on a hill. Then the fan locks up, & scares the $tt out of me when it does.

WUnderwood

I would think the stocker should be fine.

what temps are you running on the freeway at 70 mph?

do you have any trash/garbage/blockage of the current radiator?

jrussell

If you're using the stock water temp gauge then that's probably the culprit. They're very well known for being inaccurate.

The fan clutches are designed to lockup well before coolant temps get that high.

tristan21

I was also told that the 2 core in our trucks was better than the old aftermarket 3 cores. I think some major developments have been made to them in recent years.

I dont remember who told me that but a few years ago after smackin a deer I did some pretty heavy searchin on the aftermarket radiators, intercoolers, and ac condensers and found that the only thing that is actually an upgrade was on the intercooler.

And later I find out the banks unit I bought is ust like a bigger stock unit but not a better design unless you have the plastic sides.

bigwheels94

I have never tested the stock temp gauge against my infra red thermal gun. I may have to do that. My normal temp cruzin is just shy of 200* on the gauge. It will jump up to 200*easy when I hit a grade empty.Loaded I have seen it go well over 200* on the gauge. About 1/4 the way past 200* on the way to HOT! I have had the fan clutch lock up on me, & the first time it did it scared the cr@#*p out of me. Sounded like my turbo blew!! What temp is the clutch SUPPOSED to lock up?

2006Mega

would a radiator from a 6.7 be bigger since it has to deal with a larger heat load?

OldSmokey

You could always put a 180 degree thermostat in it. That should help keep it a little cooler.

bigwheels94

Anyone know when the fan clutch is supposed to lock up? I'm guessing about 210*. Maybe my stock gauge is reading high?