2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission need a bigger radiator

[LVJUNIOR]

does anyone know of a source for a larger radiator for a 98 12v.



I have a few long grades around here that run over 6% for more than 17 miles and it gets over 120 degrees out here in the summer. in the winter I am ok but in the spring I am pushing the water temps. In the summer I have to drop to 3rd and sometimes 2nd gear and a few times I almost had to pull over all together

 

[AABEN]

Try flushing your radiator and washing your fins with some strong sop. Sounds like you have it tuned way up that could be some of your trouble. ==Good luck ==

 

[HBarlow]

Excessively high exhaust gas temps and high coolant temps are part of the problems that result from extensive engine modifications.

You probably have outstanding power but can't even climb an ordinary highway grade that any factory standard Dodge-Cummins can ascend without a problem.

So tell me again, what are the advantages of engine modifications?

 

[champspa]

your pulling a load , right ?

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I am pulling about 4500# and the power is not great. My last truck was stock and would pull the same grades with ease

 

[AH64ID]

What coolant temps are you seeing?

When was the last radiator cleaning/flush/thermostat replacement?

 

[JMetzger]

I don't know but I have pulled my 32ft 10,000 HR all over the USofA & never had an overheating problem & only once had to go to 4th gear. Sounds like a radiator problem or timing.

 

[seafish]

When was the last radiator cleaning/flush/thermostat replacement?

This is a crucial question. There are several articles with pics in TDR regarding the Crankcase breather tube fouling the fins of the radiator in a way that can NOT be seen without removing the radiator. The amount of soot being drawn between the fins fromt he vent tube, and the resulting loss of cooling abilities of the radiator is astounding. My recollection is that this tube mostly affected pre-2005 models, but maybe someone can clarify this even more then I can. You likely do not need a larger radiator, but only simple maintenance.

 

[Tractorat]

Just a thought. But I was having the same problem a few years ago with only an ez as a mod. I put in a new thermostat and resolved the problem.

 

[RustyJC]

I've pulled our 16K 5th wheel through the Texas Hill Country, the Davis Mountains in west Texas, and to Arizona all in the middle of summer with our 2002 ETH/DEE 3500 with the engine temps never exceeding ~205 degrees where the thermal fan clutch kicked in at which time engine temp would drop back to 190 degrees or so. Sounds like it could be a bad thermostat, a dirty radiator (air or coolant side) or a bad fan clutch.



Rusty

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I was well into the 220 range a couple of times. The radiator was completely flushed and had zero corrosion in it and I put a new thermostat in last summer as well as a new fan clutch. I have also put water wetter additive in the coolant (redline if I remember right). My egts are in the 1150-1200 range most of the pull. My water temps are within reason ad long as ambient temp is below 100

 

[RustyJC]

OK, are you hearing the fan clutch engage? If so, is the temperature dropping when it does?



Rusty

 

[RustyJC]

I just saw that you have an automatic transmission. Is your torque converter locked up when you're pulling the steep grades? I had a 1996 V-10/47RE that would overheat on grades or in stop-and-go city driving when towing in the summer UNTIL I added a large transmission cooler ahead of (upstream of) the radiator tank cooler to dump most of the transmission fluid heat load that was being put into the engine coolant. Another approach, of course, is a mystery switch to keep the torque converter locked in 2nd or 3rd gear on the steep grades, which eliminates the source of the heat buildup in the transmission fluid.



Rusty

 

[surfbeetle]

How much smoke are you getting and also what's your boost when you are pulling the grade? Are you running a stock air box or some other air filter/intake?

 

[AH64ID]

I was well into the 220 range a couple of times. The radiator was completely flushed and had zero corrosion in it and I put a new thermostat in last summer as well as a new fan clutch. I have also put water wetter additive in the coolant (redline if I remember right). My egts are in the 1150-1200 range most of the pull. My water temps are within reason ad long as ambient temp is below 100

Did you clean the outside of the radiator?



What gear and rpms?

 

[LVJUNIOR]

Wow. Lots of questions to answer. Thanks for everyone willing to help. I will try to answer them all.

The fan is definitely engaging it sounds like a jet engine when it kicks on which seems to be at about 190degrees. the temperature doesn't drop much at all when pulling a grade but I do see a substantial drop on light pulls.



I am pretty sure the converter is locked when pulling the grades. The trans temp very rarely gets over 140 on the highway no matter what I pull.



I am running the AFE stage 2 airbox and typically see 35lbs pulling the big long grades. I can push the throttle a little more and get to 45lbs but it doesn't seem to help egts or power much at all. The only time I have smoke is if I lug it below 1500rpm and stand on the throttle. Once I hit descent boost levels it cleans right up and there is no smoke.



I had the radiator out last summer and there was nothing visible on the fins I had a few bad spots in the condenser so I spent a few hours straightening the fins to get good flow.



I am running 4. 10 gears with 35" tires which I believe gives me a gear ratio close to a 3. 55

 

[surfbeetle]

So I was originally thinking air intake as a potential issue, but with your numbers, I don't think so. Have you checked the radiator cap? If it's bad and has not enough pressure, that can cause temps to rise. Of course, make sure the radiator is physically clean. You need to also check between the intercooler and the radiator to make sure air is flowing correctly.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

If the cap was bad wouldn't I be loosing coolant through the overflow reservoir?

 

[AH64ID]

It may just be time for a new radiator. My old man's 97 suburban started overheating a few years ago with a light load. The rad appeared clean inside and out, but when it was replaced it made a night and day difference.

 

[SHobbs]

What ever happened to those that purchased radiators from Griffin? I have thought about replacing my current radiator seeing it has a small leak on the side.