Overheated

[mySAVIOReigns]

Well, I must admit I made a mistake. And a big one at that. I filled up my radiator with a new bottle of antifreeze, slammed the hood, and drove around for 3 days. Couldn't figure out why my truck was getting so hot. Well, it helps if you put the cap back on the radiator. This just adds on to the numerous radiator problems I've already had. I go through a bottle a month, easy. I've had the radiator fixed several times, and I think it's just at the end of it's life. So my question is, what type of radiator (links please!) do you think I'll need for a basic 350 w/ about 290 hp, that will still fit this truck? I probably won't go with an electric fan, but maybe way off in the future. And, I don't have that nice 350 yet, but I will over the summer, so I figure I might as well go ahead and get a radiator that will work for it.

Or, can I do that? I have a 305 now...

Anyways, thanks guys. I'm hoping this won't set me back too much - I'd REALLY like to keep it fairly low priced. But I'm gonna go with all new hoses too, and a new overflow bucket. Thanks!

[beaterC10]

My suggestion would be a 3 core radiator used on A/C and HD cooling trucks. It normally is cheaper than the typical 2 core used on non AC small blocks and is a bolt in after you get the correct upper radiator mounts and upper shroud.

[mySAVIOReigns]

you mean 3 row right?

[Slonaker]

The 3 row was a direct bolt-in when I replaced my 2 row, and it was cheaper. I didn't have to change anything but the radiator because they both use the same size tanks. Mine is part number 433716. All of the major parts stores around here carry them under the same part number regardless of brand.

I have the Chevy 265 hp 350 crate engine. The 3 row keeps it cool idling along in heavy traffic with the A/C on even when temps are 100 degrees. It has been in the truck for about 4 or 5 years.

I replaced it under (lifetime) warranty about a year ago when it stopped cooling well enough. Look at the radiator before you buy it. The local stores had several under that part number, but some were 2 row and some were 3 row. It looked like the manufacturer was trying to save some money by selling the same part under two different numbers. I had to go through a few stores before I found a 3 row. There is an angry rant somewhere on the board from me on that topic.

Slonaker

[grinch4om]

I was fortunate enough to trade an msd 6a for a 4 row new in the box radiator. I've never had any cooling problems with the truck, big block,air, etc. This tale being told to say get the biggest you can afford because it will lend itself to more motor mods without having to update the cooling system again.

[kevinr1970]

Honestly, by something new. If its just some old beater truck then maybe a good used one. But if you care at all about the truck BUY NEW.
I wouoldn't think a new one would be more than about $300, maybe cheaper.
Can be had through GM, almost any parts store or any radiator/cooling/exhaust shop (seems these three are always one shop locally?).
Last time I bought one it was through an exhaust shop and was cheaper than the parts store.

[Dr. Drop]

You said that you go through a gallon a month. Is that due to leaks or is it just disapearing without any tel-tail signs. If it's on the floor, then fix, repair or replace. If it isn't then it's out the tail pipe. As far as getting a replacement radiator, go NEW and get the 4-row radiator and make sure that you use the correct fan shorud. Also make sure that you don't have any air pockets in the motor. I use a shop here in Portland called Mac's Radiator, they are great guys and can answer most any questions 503-777-4706

[mySAVIOReigns]

It's definitely leaks - cracks, splits along the seams, etc. I checked out some prices today...I'll have to do some more shopping when it clears up down here. I feel like I'm in Seattle :p

[sick69]

personally I used 4 row from a 79 chevy one ton dually with a bigblock. it fits the factory mounts. you do need to find the factory upper mounts if you have a 2 row now. I believe the tanks are the same size on the 3 and 4 row radiators.

I bought mine at autozone for 189.00 out the door brand new


Frank

[mySAVIOReigns]

So if I get the four row, I'll need new upper mounting brackets - but those I can get off of a truck that originally had a 4-row? If I decide to go with a 3-row (maybe not now!) it should be direct bolt on and everything is the same, right?
Thanks.

[piecesparts]

Have you talked to a local radiator repair shop? Those guys have sources that can get you into a new radiator at a reasonable price. I did one on my son's truck for less than the LMC people could do it for. It was a three row unit.

[mhicks]

I ogt a 3 row at autozone last year and I think it was $125.00. Cools fine in DFW area with AC on and traffic.

[mySAVIOReigns]

Oh yea, LMC is like 250 or something. Ripoff

[killthewabbit]

Originally Posted by mhicks

I ogt a 3 row at autozone last year and I think it was $125.00. Cools fine in DFW area with AC on and traffic.

This is what I did also, and I'm running a pieced-together dual electric fan kit from Advance. Everything runs great, and has for years now.

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by mySAVIOReigns

It's definitely leaks - cracks, splits along the seams, etc. I checked out some prices today...I'll have to do some more shopping when it clears up down here. I feel like I'm in Seattle :p

Yeah, I was just pulling that number out of my a... Didn't want to throw out a number too low and have somone get their hopes up thinking it would be way cheaper than it turned out to be.
Its been a while since I had to buy a radiator.