Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block

[Dirt's72]

I'm needing to correct a hot running engine so want to install a new radiator in my 1972 c30 RV ac automatic. Would like it to fit like original one does. Recommendations from anybody? Originally it had a 3 core with 4 core mounts. Took original one to radiator shop for cleaning but they couldn't fix the leak at the welds. I found an original 4-core I thought was clean and still after 2-t-stats, hei conversion hoses it is still getting hot with gauge reading just over half way w/out ac hooked up. I'd like to start with a fresh new one.

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by Dirt's72

I'm needing to correct a hot running engine so want to install a new radiator in my 1972 c30 RV ac automatic. Would like it to fit like original one does. Recommendations from anybody? Originally it had a 3 core with 4 core mounts. Took original one to radiator shop for cleaning but they couldn't fix the leak at the welds. I found an original 4-core I thought was clean and still after 2-t-stats, hei conversion hoses it is still getting hot with gauge reading just over half way w/out ac hooked up. I'd like to start with a fresh new one.

Have you checked it with a temp gun? I wouldn't just go by the temp gauge in these things! I would check it really good before going to the new radiator.

[rex01atv]

I bought a Entropy Radiator. I think it fit and works very well. In fact the radiator and fans were cooling so well I had to adjust dip switches to make fan come on later. I have a sbc though. Hope this helps.

[davepl]

Factory radiator appears to work for me. I have the 402 and AC, and it did creep up on a hot dat sitting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck with the AC on (trans problem) but with the shroud and clutch fan is more than enough 99% of the time.

Mine's an LMC replacement unit, 4-core.

[Jonlopes]

I bought a spectra radiator from Pep boys for $155 with coupon with a lifetime warranty a month ago. Mine is a 71 402 longhorn so it has the 1-ton frame. It has 2 aluminum cores which gives it the same capacity as 4 copper/ brass cores. It has the tranny hook-ups and the heater hose nipple in the right spots. It works great but it looks a little out of place with the plastic tanks.

[trukman1]

Mind letting us know what temperature your thermostat is?

I have 4-core that I had "boiled out" and still had trouble with overheating.

I took out the 185 degree thermostat and replaced it with a 160 and everything is good now.

[mike16]

US Radiator, good products and american made

[68350]

I bought mine through oreillys. Worked great

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I'm getting mine from Wes. I understand it's a correct fit. It's not cheap, so I figure it's a good one too.

[Dirt's72]

Originally Posted by trukman1

Mind letting us know what temperature your thermostat is?

I have 4-core that I had "boiled out" and still had trouble with overheating.

I took out the 185 degree thermostat and replaced it with a 160 and everything is good now.

I started with a 180 degree then went with the recommended spec 190 t-stat. New clutch fan as well. The fluid does boil out after its parked. The guage will back off a little when I run the heater. I can't imagine if the ac worked how hot it would run. And if it the outside temp was above 80 degrees. A guy at work mentioned a coolant test to see if the head gaskets aren't bad leaking hot exhaust gas into the coolant. The carb has been rebuilt, switched from points to hei. Just figured I should start with a new radiator to rule that out. It also has an afrermarket transnission cooler mounted in front of the ac condenser. The motor has 93k original miles. The intake looked very clean when I replaced the t-stat as well.

[Dirt's72]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I'm getting mine from Wes. I understand it's a correct fit. It's not cheap, so I figure it's a good one too.

That is good to know. Thanks.

[trukman1]

Originally Posted by Dirt's72

I started with a 180 degree then went with the recommended spec 190 t-stat. New clutch fan as well. The fluid does boil out after its parked. The guage will back off a little when I run the heater. I can't imagine if the ac worked how hot it would run. And if it the outside temp was above 80 degrees. A guy at work mentioned a coolant test to see if the head gaskets aren't bad leaking hot exhaust gas into the coolant. The carb has been rebuilt, switched from points to hei. Just figured I should start with a new radiator to rule that out. It also has an aftermarket transmission cooler mounted in front of the ac condenser. The motor has 93k original miles. The intake looked very clean when I replaced the t-stat as well.

Dirt's72, Your situation sounds exactly like mine. I read up on cooling problems on Pirate 4x4. I went to an article by "Billa Vista" on cooling as well as Googled articles on the subject. They all basically said one of the biggest culprits was letting the engine get too hot before letting the coolant start working. Like I said, I was having all the problems you are describing. It's your money but I tried the 160 degree t-stat, like they recommended and it solved ALL my problems...and it didn't cost anywhere near as much as a radiator (which, as I said before, I had redone at a radiator shop to try to fix the problem). I'd certainly recommend at least giving it a try. YMMV

[1968aj]

I have used 160 thermostats in old trucks for years with no problems

[74baggedbug]

im running a 160 thermostat and am very happy with it

[Dirt's72]

I will give this a try this weekend with the 160 degree t-stat. Also gonna try to flush radiator with a prestone cleaning additive. I will update later. Thanks

[GTSideSwipe]

By any chance are you running without a fan shroud? I had slight temperature issues until I put a new one on and haven't had any issues since.

[Andy4639]

Another thing to make sure you don't have air in the system. Get the air out and make sure it has the right amount of water & antifreeze mixed. If you use that back flush make sure you get all of it out before you drive it for any distance.

[Dirt's72]

Originally Posted by GTSideSwipe

By any chance are you running without a fan shroud? I had slight temperature issues until I put a new one on and haven't had any issues since.

It has the fan shroud all original set up.

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Another thing to make sure you don't have air in the system. Get the air out and make sure it has the right amount of water & antifreeze mixed. If you use that back flush make sure you get all of it out before you drive it for any distance.

What's the best way to ensure there aren't any air pockets?

Also going to do a hydrocarbon test this weekend.

[GTSideSwipe]

To make sure that there aren't any air pockets in the system. When everything is cool let the engine run for a couple minutes with the radiator cap off and the heater blowing so all pockets can be pushed out.

[Alex V.]

Just for good measure I put a cooler (175?) thermostat in my '85's 454 when I replaced the radiator 7 years ago - I know it wasn't as cool as 160 but it wasn't original spec. It's performed as well as I could ask over 40,000 miles since. The only time the temp gauge lifts off the 155* mark is when I'm pulling several tons or more over long hills on the interstate. I hadn't had previous trouble with overheating and the A/C never has worked, but from my understand the biggest reason for these near-200 degree thermostats is emissions - otherwise, 20 or 30 degrees cooler will only help an engine.

[Dirt's72]

An update:

I picked up a new 4-core brass original looking radiator from a local radiator shop here in town. It's made in Mexico not sure of the brand and cost $300.
I put in a 160 degree t-stat as well. Finally took my 72 C30 on its maiden voyage a 360 mile round trip towing my 16' Lund fishing boat. I averaged about 55 mph driving at night. Temps stayed steady just below half on the guage and would get to half way going up some of the mountains as opposed with going over halfway with my old radiator. Was a great trip. I'm just used to driving the six cylinder trucks that run much cooler.

[Joesjunk]

You might also make sure your temp sending unit in the head is correct. Some replacement ones will make the gauge read warmer that it really is. I just took a factory one out, put a new one it and the gauge read half way and slightly to the right. Put a sending unit out of a truck that I knew read right and that was all it was. It a cheap thing to try anyway. Cool camper btw

[TCONNELLY]

Got one from Speedcooling.com , the brand is Engineered cooling products. $219, with lifetime warranty. Seems like a good unit.
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[SparkyRnD]

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