2 Core Aftermarket Radiator

[Iron Duke II]

Is a 2 core radiator compatible with my 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 w/12 Valve Cummins and adequate for towing?

 

[NIsaacs]

Is yours a 3 core? Some good info here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/posts/2555242/

 

[Iron Duke II]

I believe the original radiator was 3 core Copper/Brass unit that I replaced November 2018 with a 3 core OSC brand aluminum unit. Just curious because the truck seems to run warmer now when climbing grades with my 5th wheel camper.

 

[Iron Duke II]

The Dodge parts counter sells a 2 core radiator as the replacement radiator.

 

[NIsaacs]

The Dodge parts counter sells a 2 core radiator as the replacement radiator.

Yes, and so are most aftermarket. My '01 original was a 2 core, plastic ends, that I replaced with another 2 core. It caused me a lot of grief, however, I am getting a handle on it. I think my biggest issues was the fan clutch and aftermarket t-stats and not the radiator.

What do you have for a t-stat and what temp?

 

[Iron Duke II]

Cummins T-stat, 190

 

[GAmes]

Just curious because the truck seems to run warmer now when climbing grades with my 5th wheel camper.

When is the last time your removed the radiator and cleaned it thoroughly? It can't be effectively cleaned while installed. A Cummins t-stat for 12 valves is 180.

 

[NIsaacs]

that I replaced November 2018 with a 3 core OSC brand aluminum unit.

It should be clean since it is new. Most likely running a little warmer due to the 190 stat.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Cummins T-stat, 190

True Dat

 

[GAmes]

It should be clean since it is new. Most likely running a little warmer due to the 190 stat.

I missed the replacement post. It is the 24 valve t-stats that are 190. I think there is a recent thread about the differences.

 

[Iron Duke II]

When is the last time your removed the radiator and cleaned it thoroughly? It can't be effectively cleaned while installed. A Cummins t-stat for 12 valves is 180.

I went back and checked my notes, it is a 180. Thanks

 

[Iron Duke II]

When is the last time your removed the radiator and cleaned it thoroughly? It can't be effectively cleaned while installed. A Cummins t-stat for 12 valves is 180.

The OSC brand radiator was new as of November 2018.

 

[NIsaacs]

A Cummins t-stat for 12 valves is 180.

A little off topic, but, Gary, can you look at one of your spare t-stats and confirm which one pictured it is most like.

Left is a Cummins 180*, far right is a Napa 180, both are for my '01. The far right appears to be for a 12 valve, note the difference in the bottoms. I think it is wrong for a 24 valve. It caused me a lot of grief until I tossed it. There is also a difference in the seal, left is rounded, right is square cut.

 

[GAmes]

The Cummins 12 valve t-stats doesn't look like any of those. The one on the right's bottom disc, kinda sorta. Measurement wise it is 2 1/2 inch dia and from the bottom to the 2 1/2 inch disc is 1 3/16 The bottom disc is 1 5/16 Overall height is 2 1/16 There isn't any heat rating stamped on it, I had to put one in a pan of water with a candy thermometer to find when it opens. There are two square cut gaskets for installation, neither of which wrap around the disc. They sandwich it.

https://puredieselpower.com/dodge-p...degree-thermostat-with-2-sealing-o-rings.html

 

[JMLambert]

My 99 came with a 180 thermostat. When I replaced it the local Cummins dealership said that is what is called for.

 

[Iron Duke II]

A little off topic, but, Gary, can you look at one of your spare t-stats and confirm which one pictured it is most like.

Left is a Cummins 180*, far right is a Napa 180, both are for my '01. The far right appears to be for a 12 valve, note the difference in the bottoms. I think it is wrong for a 24 valve. It caused me a lot of grief until I tossed it. There is also a difference in the seal, left is rounded, right is square cut.

View attachment 113996

This is like the T-Stat in my 12 Valve. https://puredieselpower.com/dodge-p...degree-thermostat-with-2-sealing-o-rings.html

 

[DavidC]

My 99 came with a 180 thermostat. When I replaced it the local Cummins dealership said that is what is called for.

Mine also, never had a problem with it.