G-plus radiator

[Flinty]

Yes. I wish I would've caught it prior to install. The next time I drain it I'll bend the ears to get it open and put a brass extension on it. with a better valve. Not a big fan of these drains anyway.

 

[GAmes]

I quit using the drain and siphon the coolant out. It's easy and less messy.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Hmm, what was the warranty on that? The price is tempting, but I'm not sold on their welding, either.... For a little over twice that, I can get a Mishimoto, with a lifetime warranty.... Pricey, but I don't need to be broke down pulling a trailer.....
https://www.mishimoto.com/dodge-ram-5-9l-cummins-engine-performance-aluminum-radiator.html

 

[BigPapa]

For a little over twice that, I can get a Mishimoto, with a lifetime warranty....

Might want to look here before you pull that trigger.....

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/255327-Aluminum-radiator-problem!

 

[HHhuntitall]

Might want to look here before you pull that trigger.....

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/255327-Aluminum-radiator-problem!

I've sold and installed several here at the shop, and not had any problems. Not to say the installer doesn't know what he's doing, or that Mishi doesn't make a bad radiator... but I've not seen any problems. Many of the Mishimoto parts are made in China. I don't like that, either.... the lifetime warranty is obviously good.... not that I'd want to pull the dang thing at any point.... Something to consider, though.

 

[savage54]

Yes. I wish I would've caught it prior to install. The next time I drain it I'll bend the ears to get it open and put a brass extension on it. with a better valve. Not a big fan of these drains anyway.

Before trying this radiator ,most of the radiators I was looking at had plastic drains , at least this was brass.The drain plug hitting the inner cooler, I'm not sure why. On my 97 I had plenty of room ,I think the one on my 97 is not a stock inter cooler.I think its a Banks. ONE thing make sure your drain plug is tight, I had to tighten mine.

 

[savage54]

I see these 3 core aluminum radiators are $225 again,https://www.ebay.com/i/141961431919?chn=ps&dispItem=1

 

[The patriot]

Found these $156 delivered. 3 row.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Full-...d=141961431919&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598

 

[savage54]

I've been following this thread https://www.turbodieselregister.com...m-Radiator-Installation?p=2524177#post2524177 that is the same radiator I installed a while ago but haven't had a chance to go a long trip pulling a heavy load, and he finally got back to how well the radiator preformed pulling with a load.

 

[GAmes]

I'm bringing back this thread because I found an all metal, made in the USA radiator. Costs less than the Mishimoto ($675) and is a 4 row with steel tanks. I road tested it pulling an 11,000 pound 5er from OR to TX last week. Even on the steepest hills I didn't have to turn my AC off to keep the engine from overheating. I am super satisfied, especially after having a Spectra.
https://radiatorsupplyhouse.com/products/icebox-performance/

 

[NIsaacs]

I'm bringing back this thread because I found an all metal, made in the USA radiator. Costs less than the Mishimoto ($675) and is a 4 row with steel tanks. I road tested it pulling an 11,000 pound 5er from OR to TX last week. Even on the steepest hills I didn't have to turn my AC off to keep the engine from overheating. I am super satisfied, especially after having a Spectra.
https://radiatorsupplyhouse.com/products/icebox-performance/

What temp do you consider hot? Can you tell at about what temp the fan kicks on? I have been staying close to home with my hauls so I have kind of ignored my overheating issue. I dread going on a tough long distance haul because I know I will have to baby it.

I always figured on mine, it was more of an issue with the fan clutch engaging too late (220) more than my radiator, but maybe not. Everything on the cooling system is new. I wonder if there is any difference in the 1st gen and 12v 2nd gen fan clutch engage temp (180) v/s the 24v at (190)? If so, the early clutch might engage quicker on my rig. They are different part #'s and appear to be slightly different, but I think the measurements that matter, are very similar.

 

[GAmes]

My fan clutch fully engages at around 190. While the radiator was still being built I accepted a load from Quartszite to South Fork, CO. I anticipated the climb (don't know the name of the mountain) between Phoenix and Flagstaff would be tough since it was well over 100 in AZ and it was. Then, between Pagosa Springs and South Fork is the Wolf Creek Pass. To climb both I was down to 4th gear (at 2000 rpm the boost was only 10 psi), windows down, heater on high and the temp needle was halfway between 190 and the top end of the arc, so probably 210 to 220. Outside air temp was less than 80 in CO. Fan clutch was fully engaged. It was a long trip up both mountains. Nothing on my route back to TX was that extreme but I'm confident I wouldn't have had to do anything more than possibly have to turn off the AC with this radiator.

 

[NIsaacs]

Thanks Gary, Have you looked at the plastic fan from Geno's at all? They claim 39% more flow. What is your thoughts about it? If I thought it would help I would buy one yesterday....$317 so I hate to be the test mule...Lol

 

[GAmes]

I haven't had any issues with my fan, and I sourced a spare if one of the blades ever cracks. I've never given any thought to an after market, but 39% more flow is a significant number if it is true. I'd still spend the money on a bigger radiator first.

 

[Michaelsloft]

What temp do you consider hot? Can you tell at about what temp the fan kicks on? I have been staying close to home with my hauls so I have kind of ignored my overheating issue. I dread going on a tough long distance haul because I know I will have to baby it.

I always figured on mine, it was more of an issue with the fan clutch engaging too late (220) more than my radiator, but maybe not. Everything on the cooling system is new. I wonder if there is any difference in the 1st gen and 12v 2nd gen fan clutch engage temp (180) v/s the 24v at (190)? If so, the early clutch might engage quicker on my rig. They are different part #'s and appear to be slightly different, but I think the measurements that matter, are very similar.

Nick, I was wondering how your engine temperature control was working out in the heat of summer. This is sn interesting thread and I'm interested in learning more about the radiators, fans and fan clutches.
I still have the original fan and clutch from my '99 when I installed the Horton EC450 back in 2001. My truck was delivered with a 180 thermostat and still use one with the Horton. Reason I mention this, this I remember reading years ago that (I think so) the 98.5 & 99 use a different fan clutch than the '00 -'02 24 valve. Might correspond with thermostat temp 180/190?
I can get a part number from my original clutch if it would help with considering fan clutch choice and or replacement.
Hope it works out to get temps where you want them and let me know if you want any additional information.

Michael

 

[The patriot]

Sort of related....
I bought an ODB reader, it has the ability to monitor some engine stats.
One of them is the coolant temperature.
I was surprised to see mine didnt get over 183 degrees when pulling a loaded trailer this past weekend. Granted, it was on mostly flat ground, but the dash temp appeared much closer to 190 than the actual temp.
The readout is VERY small, it's not a substitute for a real gauge.
It was 100 degrees out, and the a/c was on hi.
I didnt hear the radiator fan kick in even once. However my hearing is not great anymore.
BTW, I'm seeing 4 core all aluminum radiators on fleabay for $300 ish. 3 rows are $200`ish OBO.

 

[Flinty]

I've had my aluminum radiator in some heat now and am really satisfied. Pulled 13k loads up hills no problem, the temp doesn't even move off 190. Best bang for the buck in my opinion.

 

[NIsaacs]

Mich

Nick, I was wondering how your engine temperature control was working out in the heat of summer. This is sn interesting thread and I'm interested in learning more about the radiators, fans and fan clutches.
I still have the original fan and clutch from my '99 when I installed the Horton EC450 back in 2001. My truck was delivered with a 180 thermostat and still use one with the Horton. Reason I mention this, this I remember reading years ago that (I think so) the 98.5 & 99 use a different fan clutch than the '00 -'02 24 valve. Might correspond with thermostat temp 180/190?
I can get a part number from my original clutch if it would help with considering fan clutch choice and or replacement.
Hope it works out to get temps where you want them and let me know if you want any additional information.

Michael

Thanks Michael, I am going to install a 180 thermostat and try that. I am thinking it will help a lot, at least on the short hills. I made 9 trips on the same road with the same loads the past 3 days, and every time on this one mile long 4-5% grade I am pushing 215, then at the top the fan finally kicks in. On a long tough pull, I have to drop a gear because the fan can't overcome the high heat, it is too little too late.

I really think that the 180 will even help my transmission temp, due to engine heat soak. I don't have any issue with the transmission, but I think it will even run cooler than it does now. The only thing about the 180, is, my cab heat might suffer a little due to the junky heater.

I have been checking the 12 valve (89-93) and (94-98) I think they will work on my truck. Like you, I think the main difference is the temp setting, the dimensions that matter, appear to be very similar. I have been looking at fans too, lol

Nick

 

[Michaelsloft]

Mich


Thanks Michael, I am going to install a 180 thermostat and try that. I am thinking it will help a lot, at least on the short hills. I made 9 trips on the same road with the same loads the past 3 days, and every time on this one mile long 4-5% grade I am pushing 215, then at the top the fan finally kicks in. On a long tough pull, I have to drop a gear because the fan can't overcome the high heat, it is too little too late.

I really think that the 180 will even help my transmission temp, due to engine heat soak. I don't have any issue with the transmission, but I think it will even run cooler than it does now. The only thing about the 180, is, my cab heat might suffer a little due to the junky heater.

I have been checking the 12 valve (89-93) and (94-98) I think they will work on my truck. Like you, I think the main difference is the temp setting, the dimensions that matter, appear to be very similar. I have been looking at fans too, lol

Nick

Hi Nick, the 180 degree thermostat may help reduce temps for you and I have found the 180 to be more than adequate for heat in the Winter all the way down to single digits temps. Usually have the temperature setting on the dash between 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock on the temp dial.
I also have found not all 180 thermostats are the same. When I looked into replacing the original it was difficult to find one with the same diameter opening. Replacement from Cummins parts counter and auto shops were all slightly smaller diameter opening. I did find the Napa 180 to be the same size opening as my original.
I'm traveling right now and don't have the part numbers of the original thermostat available at the moment!
Also I did see a Horton fan and wiring harness for 12 valve Dodge Cummins on eBay recently. I may be able to find and forward info if interested.
Running cooler may help everything attached to the engine over time!
Good luck with getting your engine you run cooler and keep us posted.

Michael

 

[NIsaacs]

Michael, The opening size is an awesome catch! I have had the 5.9 Cummins for 28 years and never noticed, maybe because I always buy Napa, Lol Here are two pictures of the difference, first one is Gates, second is Napa.