Have a 90 ctd dodge with 2 core down flow have noticed a few ideas on changing to newer cross flow to cure cooling problems but seems expensive. has any one had a 3 or 4 core built for this type of truck. the top and bottom tank look pretty narrow. have replaced fan cluch had radiator rodded out and put a new thermostat in. backed up idiot guage with water temp and shows 230 when towing up a steep grade. any help on cooling this engine would be appreciated thanks Gerry
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Radiator
- Thread starter GCrooks
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I've heard a few guys have put a diversion in the top of the original rad to divert water over the entire area instead of short cycling. Issue 6 has the instructions to convert to the cross flow rad but that is pricey. Sounds as if that may be your best course of action. Welcome to the board.
I converted my early '91 to a '93 radiator - the radiator was about $220, new fan shroud was $20, and a new radiator hose to match the new radiator inlet... "course I did all the work myself, and DID have to cut the new shroud to match the old fan, and then fabricate a new rear aluminum plate for the shroud to match to the older style fan - and had to cut the old cast iron thermostat housing, rotate it a bit and re-weld it... . Piece of cake - and it works great, too!
Gary - KJ6Q, how well did your conversion turn out using the stock fan? The new thermostat housing isn't too expensive, but the fan conversion is. Do you have any pictures?
Or what about electric fans? I think I remember someone talking about doing a dual-electric fan conversion a while back.
Or what about electric fans? I think I remember someone talking about doing a dual-electric fan conversion a while back.
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Terry, mine LOOKS pretty much the same as a stock '93 - few would notice the fact the the backside of the '93 fan shroud was modified to match the placement and size of the '91 fan. The setup seems to work fine, greatly reduced temps in the Sierra grades that used to put the temp guage up near the top. That thermostat housing IS pretty expensive, at least thru the local dodge dealer and parts houses - one quoted $65, the other $95 for a new one - so far, I've stuck with my modified one. They MAY be cheaper thru Cummins direct.
Before converting, I tried an added baffle in the top tank to divert incoming hot water COMPLETELY across the top tank for better cooling, and also used some of the "cooling" additives that help reduce temps - it all helped, and MIGHT do for some with needs lower than mine, but I eventually decided to do it right, and went to the later radiator. Sorry, no pics...
Before converting, I tried an added baffle in the top tank to divert incoming hot water COMPLETELY across the top tank for better cooling, and also used some of the "cooling" additives that help reduce temps - it all helped, and MIGHT do for some with needs lower than mine, but I eventually decided to do it right, and went to the later radiator. Sorry, no pics...
Gary,
Did you use your non-intercooled fan and bracket instead of an intercooled version? How much modification did the shroud need? That fan and bracket costs as much or more than the radiator. If you could reuse the originals, this may be a good weekend project. And I just changed my coolant and hoses last night!
Did you use your non-intercooled fan and bracket instead of an intercooled version? How much modification did the shroud need? That fan and bracket costs as much or more than the radiator. If you could reuse the originals, this may be a good weekend project. And I just changed my coolant and hoses last night!
You can save your coolent, just rig a hose or funnel/hose to catch the escaping coolent - I've done that myself a couple of times.
Yes, I'm still using the original non-intercooled fan and associated components. I used the original radiator shroud as a template to mark the later '93 shroud, then cut out the portion that interfered - THEN, once dimensions were established, I hand-fabricated a "patch panel" from a sheet of aluminum from the local ACE hardware. I then secured the panel to the modified '93 shroud with a liberal amount of silicon caulk material, then painted the whole thing flat black. Like I said, if you weren't LOOKING for the mod, you would never suspect it wasn't stock - the ONLY thing that gives it away is the modified thermostat housing, and I'll eventually replace that as well.
This IS a good days work to install, assuming you are good at fabricating, good with your hands (AND head!), and have all the required tools. But it sure is WORTH it if you want your cooling problems eliminated!
Yes, I'm still using the original non-intercooled fan and associated components. I used the original radiator shroud as a template to mark the later '93 shroud, then cut out the portion that interfered - THEN, once dimensions were established, I hand-fabricated a "patch panel" from a sheet of aluminum from the local ACE hardware. I then secured the panel to the modified '93 shroud with a liberal amount of silicon caulk material, then painted the whole thing flat black. Like I said, if you weren't LOOKING for the mod, you would never suspect it wasn't stock - the ONLY thing that gives it away is the modified thermostat housing, and I'll eventually replace that as well.
This IS a good days work to install, assuming you are good at fabricating, good with your hands (AND head!), and have all the required tools. But it sure is WORTH it if you want your cooling problems eliminated!
GCrooks, Bought a raditor on ebay from a 1993 CTD. To install in my 19911/2 . The raditors look to be the same. My plans are to get this raditor cleaned and relaced it (so I don't have to wait on the raditor being cleaned)when I tear-down my truck to relaced the front engine seal ,waterpump,hoses and drivebelt.
If you are interested I will take what I have in the ebay raditor
about $136. 00,after I make the repairs to my truck. This raditor does not have any leaks,nor does the engine over heat.
If you are interested I will take what I have in the ebay raditor
about $136. 00,after I make the repairs to my truck. This raditor does not have any leaks,nor does the engine over heat.
Guys... check out www.hughs.com for your new radiator.
I got a REALLY good deal from him for a new radiator for the PW... custom built, it was still about 60% of what the parts house wanted for a standard replacement.
BTW, I have no interest in hughs.com, nor do I profit in any way from his business. Just offering my experience.
I got a REALLY good deal from him for a new radiator for the PW... custom built, it was still about 60% of what the parts house wanted for a standard replacement.
BTW, I have no interest in hughs.com, nor do I profit in any way from his business. Just offering my experience.
I have been planning to change my '90 radiator to cross flow but havent got it done yet. I bought the newer thermostat housing from the local Dodge dealer and surprisingly it was less than $50. (The parts guy gave me a discount). Have to take the top tank off and turn it around and weld the inlet niple on the other side. I tried a three core, but it ran hotter than the two core and had to put the original back on.
One major problem I discovered after buying new radiator, fan clutch and pump was that the thermostat was the problem all along. The so called "newest number" for the tstat was wrong. The new stat has a rubber ring around it and there is no clearance for the water to bypass. When you buy the tstat from dodge there is a plastic template you can use to check the opening in the stat housing. Went back to the old style and it worked better.
I have the same heating problems with mine as you report. Works great in the winter time but pulling my old fifth wheel in the summer heats it up in the mountains.
There is a local radiator shop that is supposed to build a radiator that works. Plan to check it out and if not happy will convert to the 93.
I like my old truck, but the heating problem has been a thorn in the side since I bought it new.
One major problem I discovered after buying new radiator, fan clutch and pump was that the thermostat was the problem all along. The so called "newest number" for the tstat was wrong. The new stat has a rubber ring around it and there is no clearance for the water to bypass. When you buy the tstat from dodge there is a plastic template you can use to check the opening in the stat housing. Went back to the old style and it worked better.
I have the same heating problems with mine as you report. Works great in the winter time but pulling my old fifth wheel in the summer heats it up in the mountains.
There is a local radiator shop that is supposed to build a radiator that works. Plan to check it out and if not happy will convert to the 93.
I like my old truck, but the heating problem has been a thorn in the side since I bought it new.
Gary,
Does the '93 radiator fit in the '90 brackets? Is it also a two pass?
I was just wondering if I should get a '93 rad or changing mine to a crossflow would do the same thing?
I have the AC and trans cooler in front of the rad but no intercooler.
Richard
Does the '93 radiator fit in the '90 brackets? Is it also a two pass?
I was just wondering if I should get a '93 rad or changing mine to a crossflow would do the same thing?
I have the AC and trans cooler in front of the rad but no intercooler.
Richard
Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q
I converted my early '91 to a '93 radiator - the radiator was about $220, new fan shroud was $20, and a new radiator hose to match the new radiator inlet... "course I did all the work myself, and DID have to cut the new shroud to match the old fan, and then fabricate a new rear aluminum plate for the shroud to match to the older style fan - and had to cut the old cast iron thermostat housing, rotate it a bit and re-weld it... . Piece of cake - and it works great, too!
Not sure if I can reply this way. Already had question for you on main reply.
What do you mean by "can conversion"?
I think I'll try that too as soon as I can find out if 93 radiator will fit our 90s. I already have the newer stat housing and hose. Been fighting this over heat problem for 10 yrs.
I did take the Cascades loop last Oct without any trouble. LOve Washington!
overheating 1990
Have 1990 with banks kit has run fine for first 90k now is overheating regulary, I have a pop up camper weighing 700lb, it is low profile, have spent $800. 00 at various shops saying they could fix, no luck yet. I have replaced the radiator with a three core down flow, fan clutch, thermostat, hoses new pump, still can not run over 65mph for fear of running 230, have heat gunned to confirm temp somebody who could tell me how to quit spending money and start running cool again I would gladly pay you. Thank You John
Have 1990 with banks kit has run fine for first 90k now is overheating regulary, I have a pop up camper weighing 700lb, it is low profile, have spent $800. 00 at various shops saying they could fix, no luck yet. I have replaced the radiator with a three core down flow, fan clutch, thermostat, hoses new pump, still can not run over 65mph for fear of running 230, have heat gunned to confirm temp somebody who could tell me how to quit spending money and start running cool again I would gladly pay you. Thank You John
John, have you had your injector pump timing checked? Your problem may NOT be coolent related!
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
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