Radiator and Coolant

[RamAZ]

Well after the go around with the gear housing on my 92, the radiator has developed a pin whole leak, its the factory original, not bad 9+ years.



Need some idea of how hard it is to replace the radiator, according to the manual it looks pretty easy. Any body done this to one of the 1st. generations?



What is a good replacement brand of radiator, carparts.com has a Modine for about $375 any other sugestions besides the dealer? I want one that will last.



What is a good brand of coolant to use. Cummins has the premix it sells or buy it straight and mix with disstilled water. Does anyone use a lubricant in the coolant or is it not required?



Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.



Jim

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Modine is a good name brand but I would look into a good radiator shop in your area and price a re-core it might save you some money. I just changed my coolant and used zerex extended life. It is a brand I have used since my truck was in diapers. I had my radiator out to repair a leak about 24,000 miles ago and told the rad shop to clean it if it needed it. As it turned out they said the core looked like new so they repaired the leak and pressure tested it. I do change the coolant every 24,000 miles even though I use the long life coolant - I like the added protection it provides. Hope this helps.

Happy Trails

 

[GeneH]

Jim, my 92 developed a leak about a year ago. I pulled the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. They solder the leak up and repainted it all for less than $50. 00



Gene

92 350 4x4

 

[Midnite]

I think I'd look into what the radiator shop could do also.



As far as coolant goes, I think the only real big thing (at least according to my '92 owner's manual) is to use ethylene glycol based antifreeze and not propylene glycol based.



Mike

 

[ggorremans]

... use Cummins premix and change at every 24k miles. Can't go wrong.

gary

 

[MMiller]

I've had the radiator out of my 93 twice, its really gravy(not to tough). Be really carefull removing the bottom radiator hose. I was changing my hoses and accidently pulled the tube out of the bottom tank. I think it was already split because I had a leak and was replacing the hoses to stop the leak. By all means take it too a radiator shop. I have been a mechanic for 4 years and worked in shops prior and they can be fixed inexpensivly and reliably by a good radiator shop. They will probably clean it our and it will be good as new when they are done with it for alot less money!! Just be gentle with the lower radiator hose. By the way I used Long Life Cat antifreeze thats premixed because I work at a Cat dealer and get it for a good price. Good luck1

 

[Grey Wolf]

I pulled the radiator last year for a small leak and as it was said in the previous posts its an easy job. Mine was repaired for about $50 also. I use Cummins extended life coolant without any other additives.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Originally posted by Midnite

I think I'd look into what the radiator shop could do also.



As far as coolant goes, I think the only real big thing (at least according to my '92 owner's manual) is to use ethylene glycol based antifreeze and not propylene glycol based.



Mike

Concur. Have used Prestone for years, no problems.

Removal not difficult.

 

[RamAZ]

Coolant and Radiator Update.

I want to thank those who replied and sent messages about this topic.



I decided to go with the Fleetguard Compleat EG for the coolant, just have to Cummins Southwest and get the stuff. As for the radiator, I'm got a good price on a replacement radiator, upper and lower hose, thermostat and gasket through: www.Moparparts4less.com. , Could not beat the deal they gave me.



I went with a new radiator for two reasons: The old radiator is 9 years or so old and since I lug a heavy camper I wanted the best cooling I could get.



I went with the fleetguard coolant because it has on the bottle that it is low silicon and designed for use in diesel motors and is premixed with demineralized water. No guessing.



Thanks again for the infomation.



Jim

 

[RDavidson]

Can't link up with the link

RamAZ, Maybe it's me but I can't get the link www.Moparparts4less.com to work. Any ideas, Thanks

 

[CumminsAholic]

I think it's just www.mopar4less.com

Corey

 

[RDavidson]

Thanks for the correction. It worked perfectly.