Aftermarket Radiator

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Troy_, Jul 18, 2021.

  1. Troy_

    Troy_ Road Train Member

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    I have an '02 T-800 with a 6NZ. It has been bumped to 550hp since new, around 4000 hours since the platinum inframe done by Cat (@29,000+hrs). Last few years it has started running hotter than usual while climbing long hills. We do a lot of heavy haul, 9 axle and 40 wheel combination stuff. I have to drop a gear or two and keep the boost pressure down or it will walk through the bottom of the gauge if I keep pouring the coal to her. Rad has been flushed, cleaned several times, removed and cleaned once, (took the rad to a shop where they do a tank soak and clean) thermostats removed, water pump has been replaced, can't think of anything else to try other than replacing the rad. Is there a better (higher core count) aftermarket solution than just replacing with the same as OEM? Thanks.
     
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  3. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Is it possible your ga is accurate,hoses are not collapsed at all..
     
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  4. Troy_

    Troy_ Road Train Member

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    dash gauge is backed up by the cat onboard computer, each has their own sending unit and are within 10 degrees of each other. no collapsed hoses or any other flow restrictions found.
     
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  5. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Unless its an much older truck,didnt notice the yr all the info comes from ecu..So in that aspect yeah they would read the same..
    There is a much better than stock rad and intercooler set up but im blank on its name..
    Try running over to the question/answer section of letstruck.com
    Free site to join but someone there will have the name i cant think of..
     
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  6. Troy_

    Troy_ Road Train Member

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    the temp gauge in the dash is mechanical, shows temp with the truck powered off. the dash gauge sensor is mounted in the thermostat housing, and not connected to the ECU.
     
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  7. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Ok..Then its deeper than my knkw how..I would run over to that site i mentioned and ask there..
     
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  8. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    1 800 Radiator, or 4 states will get you your best deal on a 4 core. Cooling will be much improved. How's the A/C working? If not as good as normal, I would think possible contamination outside from dust, chaff, etc.

    Make sure fan is pulling good too. Throw a grease rag on the A/c condenser with the fan on, it should hold it firmly. If it falls off or is not firmly drawn to condenser, fan operation or exterior blockage is likely your issue.
     
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  9. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    For ####s n giggles, hows the grill? The fine mesh isn't plugged up or anything?

    What about shrouds and such? See lots of overheat conditions on equipment when the shrouds, seals or flaps are missing. Air is lazy, it'll take the easiest route and if its easier to flow around the rad, it will.
     
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  10. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    When I replaced my radiator, I put in a 5 core in place of the original 4 core. I have a 2000 Pete with a 3406E. Generally radiators last anywhere between 5 to 7 years, and if they don't start to leak, their cooling capabilities are decreased to what you are experiencing now.
     
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  11. Troy_

    Troy_ Road Train Member

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    AC works fine. As stated previously, rad has been removed and cleaned, after several cleanings of the rad, air to air, and condenser. Air movement is not the issue, some of the aluminum cooling fins are deteriorating or oxidizing, and will fall off when you rub your fingers over them. It needs a new rad, I'm looking for the best the aftermarket has to offer.
     
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