Is there a better performing radiator for a '17 3500?

[cricha]

Anyone install a better radiator than the stock one? I was considering the Mishimoto, but it doesnt seem to get good reviews. Any others that perform better? Thanks!!

 

[Ozymandias]

Factory is a great radiator, what's wrong with yours at that young age?

 

[AH64ID]

Factory is a great radiator, what's wrong with yours at that young age?

Agree, something is amiss if you need a better setup than stock.

 

[Diesel85]

It could be a couple different things from a clogged radiator to something wrong with the electronic fan clutch.

 

[Topzide]

@cricha, Do you have anything to check to see if the fan clutch is engaging? AlfaOBD will allow you to see the fan clutch cycling on and off. When was the last coolant fluid change done? Is it leaking? Inquiring minds would like to know more so we can help with issue.

 

[cricha]

might have a partially clogged radiator.
Fan clutch works. most of the time. not a fan clutch issue. I can follow fan clutch operation and coolant temp in real time watching my Edge CTS. Currently on 3rd fan clutch, all OEM, all behaved the same way. Fan clutch works great until the engine gets hot (above 225 coolant, 230-240 oil temp, measured at pan and filter with flir infrared) then fan will only engage for a very short period of time, temps still rise. I'm suspecting maybe a Bad PCM, or it needs an updated flash. Dealers here (been to 3)are unwilling to do a flash unless it is their idea.
Been chasing a overheating issue since new. Truck is back in the shop now trying again to track down the problem.
Coolant system flushed out using the mopar chemistry. Enough debris cam out that could possibly indicate a partially clogged radiator. If I need to replace radiator, looking for something better if available.

 

[Topzide]

@cricha, You mean a dealer won't take your money? Sounds like you may have found the problem. Nothing really wrong with the Mishimoto radiator. Your choice on what you want to put in truck. Stock units have worked for many miles with few problems. Comes down to $ and time to get. Good to hear that your making progress!

 

[AH64ID]

If the fan isn’t engaged like a Cessna on takeoff at 225° coolant then you have an issue that’s not the radiator.

Are there any stored codes? Fan codes don’t always illuminate the CEL.

 

[cricha]

If the fan isn’t engaged like a Cessna on takeoff at 225° coolant then you have an issue that’s not the radiator.

Are there any stored codes? Fan codes don’t always illuminate the CEL.

AH64ID, I believe you are absolutely correct in your comment. According to my Edge CTS, no stored codes. I was inquiring about a radiator swap just to possibly help with the overheating issue until the root cause could be determined.

 

[sag2]

Like mentioned above, you have a fan problem, not a radiator problem. At 220 mine does sound like a plane taking off. The coolant temp starts to drop very quickly and the fan slows down around 215.

 

[AH64ID]

AH64ID, I believe you are absolutely correct in your comment. According to my Edge CTS, no stored codes. I was inquiring about a radiator swap just to possibly help with the overheating issue until the root cause could be determined.

Then it may be a PCM issue or tune issue, since the fan should set an underspeed code.

A radiator won't be much of a bandaid for you without a fan, and certainly not worth the cost.

 

[cricha]

Then it may be a PCM issue or tune issue, since the fan should set an underspeed code.

This is what I'm leaning towards. No underspeed codes. My thoughts are that either fan operation it set at the wrong protocol, needs to be flashed with an update, or the PCM malfunctions due to excessive heat. Fan functions fine until the motor gets above 220, then fan operation gets erratic, or not at all.

 

[AH64ID]

This is what I'm leaning towards. No underspeed codes. My thoughts are that either fan operation it set at the wrong protocol, needs to be flashed with an update, or the PCM malfunctions due to excessive heat. Fan functions fine until the motor gets above 220, then fan operation gets erratic, or not at all.

It's not common to go above 220°, so I would guess your fan functions aren't' fine below 220°.

 

[cricha]

It's not common to go above 220°, so I would guess your fan functions aren't' fine below 220°.

I would tend to agree with you. The owner of the shop that it is at right now thinks likewise. Theyre just trying to find the solution.

 

[AH64ID]

I would tend to agree with you. The owner of the shop that it is at right now thinks likewise. Theyre just trying to find the solution.

How many fan rpms are you seeing at 220°F? They should be over 2400.

 

[NIsaacs]

How many fan rpms are you seeing at 220°F? They should be over 2400.

That would be engine RPM dependent, right? Back in the day, the fan drive was 1:35-1, no clue now.

 

[AH64ID]

That would be engine RPM dependent, right? Back in the day, the fan drive was 1:35-1, no clue now.

Yes, but I’ve seen some pretty impressive rpms at low engine rpms. To have enough load to get to 220° ECT should be sufficient rpms to get to 2400 fan rpms.

 

[cricha]

How many fan rpms are you seeing at 220°F? They should be over 2400.

never as high as 2400. it varies, 1600 to maybe 2300 depending on engine speed. The problem is, when the temps get up that high, fan speed is erratic, or the fan spools up and then shuts off, or doesnt come on at all.