Gen 2 Radiator Education

[allmyEXes]

Yesterday while the site was temporarily down I was installing the new radiator for the '97 SOHC 4.0 powered Explorer that I own. It turns out that the OHV radiator is different. I didn't have time to return it and get the correct one however the quick fix was to go to the salvage yard and get a fan shroud for a 95-6 model with the OHV 4.0.
Just about everyday I learn something.

 

[Rick]

I didn't realize that. Thanks for the info

 

[410Fortune]

did you install a single core radiator?
Your truck really should have a dual core

Otherwise the 4.0L OHV and SOHC radiators should be the same
The OHV often came with a single core
Also radiator shops love to sell you a single core as a replacement for the factory dual core (they make more profit) DO NOT LET THEM!
I always see even V8 automatic trucks with a single core radiator.

 

[koda2000]

My 2000 and 2001 Explorers/Mountaineers and Sport Trac all came with single core radiators from the factory. I'm not saying that a dual core isn't better, just that's its not the only choice.

 

[410Fortune]

Really? Thanks for letting me know! Are these all RWD trucks?

Perhaps it is something they did in 2000 that I did not notice or maybe it is just the 2wds?......I just assumed they were all aftermarket. I will start to pay more attention. I have only had one RWD truck in my shop, coming from Colorado I had to move to Idaho before I ever saw/owned/crushed one. It also had a single core, was a 5.0 with low miles...so likely factory.

I know single core is capable of cooling the rig, but why push it when the dual core is same price online.

My BII is borderline with the 4.0L OHV radiator, even the all aluminum unit, engine driven fan, and a full custom shrouding around the entire cooling stack. I still see 230 water temps and the trans climbs to 220, still acceptable temps I understand, but warmer then I would like to see.
I am going back to a larger radiator next, I had one for a Nascaar Ford small block in there and it never ran over 185 LOL

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

In 97 in know (year I have), the towing package equipped 4.0 OHV Explorer had the dual core (huge) radiator. I found that when the thermostat failed safe to "open" position, the engine would not even reach operating temperature even in the summer time here in FL with the A/C on. The dual core is huge and definitely over capacity for the OHV v6!

 

[allmyEXes]

Well, When I was "shopping" on Ebay for a radiator, the what it fits information led me to believe that the part I ordered was the correct one. The part # is 1728. As I was installing it,I noticed that it was shorter. About 1.5 inches (37 mm). I assumed that it was a "bad" ch!n*s3 copy. Then when I was attempting to install the fan shroud I realized it was a 1/2" narrower at the core. I got online and looked up the radiator, then I was coming up with a part #2018 and eventually found core measurements for it that matched my old one. It also said that it fit '97 to 2001. Quick remedy was to go get a '95-'96 fan shroud. My shroud that was original has a '97 part # on it.
I don't have the Explorer with me at work today (I'm working on "MO" the 5.0) to look inside to see if it is 1or 2 row (flutes) however the core is about 2 inches thick. The Explorer only going to be driven local, won't be towing anything and the AC doesn't work anyway. So it should be enough cooling.
I may be wrong but what I assume is the #1728 is for the OHV models and the #2018 is for SOHC or could be the HD cooling option. The #2018 fan shroud for sure has a '97 part number on it.

 

[410Fortune]

nice! good info

 

[koda2000]

Really? Thanks for letting me know! Are these all RWD trucks?

Perhaps it is something they did in 2000 that I did not notice or maybe it is just the 2wds?......I just assumed they were all aftermarket. I will start to pay more attention. I have only had one RWD truck in my shop, coming from Colorado I had to move to Idaho before I ever saw/owned/crushed one. It also had a single core, was a 5.0 with low miles...so likely factory.

I know single core is capable of cooling the rig, but why push it when the dual core is same price online.

My BII is borderline with the 4.0L OHV radiator, even the all aluminum unit, engine driven fan, and a full custom shrouding around the entire cooling stack. I still see 230 water temps and the trans climbs to 220, still acceptable temps I understand, but warmer then I would like to see.
I am going back to a larger radiator next, I had one for a Nascaar Ford small block in there and it never ran over 185 LOL

No not all RWD (AWD and 2WD's) and several with the factory towing package. You'd think they'd at least install the double core rads in the vehicles with the towing package. I've replaced 3 or 4 radiators in my vehicles to-date and have just stuck with the single core replacements. I've never had any issues with any of my vehicles overheating, but I don't tow very much or very often and not through the mountains.

 

[donalds]

My 99 came with a duel core radiator
It does have the factory tow package
I replaced it with a spectra premium cu2174
Exact fit glad I did to

 

[poker4me007]

Out of curiosity, and to avoid ever over heating, I have a question. I have the single core radiator, the one in my sig. If I needed to replace it someday and wanted to put in a dual core radiator would I need a new shroud? Would the dual core radiator bolt right in?


Thanks!

 

[410Fortune]

Pretty sure it will bolt right in, I say this because anytime I see a single core on a truck we are fixing up I will swap to the dual and I have never run into a shroud issue.
Shrouds are different V8 to V6, otherwise I think 95-01 v6 shrouds are all similar as 96-01 v8 shrouds are similar

 

[poker4me007]

Pretty sure it will bolt right in, I say this because anytime I see a single core on a truck we are fixing up I will swap to the dual and I have never run into a shroud issue.
Shrouds are different V8 to V6, otherwise I think 95-01 v6 shrouds are all similar as 96-01 v8 shrouds are similar

Thanks, I was hoping it would fit.