WOW, That was easy...

[koda2000]

I knew the radiator in my '01 ST had a small leak, but it's been under control, dripping only an occasional drop or two since last summer and never needing any coolant. Last week I took it on a 100 mile, 70 MPH highway trip. The following day I went shopping and on the way home I noticed the coolant temp gauge needle returning to normal after apparently having gone up fairly high. I made a mental note to check the coolant level when I got home, but forgot about until today. I was surprised to find the overflow tank completely empty and I couldn't see any coolant in the radiator either. Under closer inspection I found the driver's side lower header tank to be wet and a small puddle under the truck.

I've replaced several 5.0L V8 Explorer/Mountaineer radiators and found the slides clips and A/C condenser bracket to be a major PITA. I also find that the frame rails do not allow enough side-to-side room for easy removal and installation of the radiator. I was thinking I'd have a similar experience with the 4.0L SOHC V6 radiator, but was pleasantly surprised to find it doesn't use the fanny-pack clip or slides and wasn't attached to the A/C condenser. After unbolting it just lifts right out. Nice!

Now I'm hunting for an inexpensive replacement. I've had good look with CSF brand replacement radiators in my 5.0's, but found Amazon doesn't list that brand. They do list Spectre, but the reviews for that brand were not that great.

Anyone have a recommendation for a inexpensive replacement 4.0L SOHC radiator for around $100?

I thought I found a CSF 3277 on thefrugalmechanic.com for $101 but the seller is playing games with "free shipping" and surcharges, making the purchase price $123, which isn't a bad price, but I don't like the fact that they are being deceptive.

 

[delexploder]

I've had better luck taking my rads to a repair shop

 

[koda2000]

I've had better luck taking my rads to a repair shop

With many years of experience with plastic tanked aluminum radiators, I would never try to have one repaired. Even if you manage to have the seals successfully replaced, after 15 years of heat cycles the plastic tanks tend to eventually crack. An old-fashioned brass radiator is a different story.

 

[HELMUT RONER]

I looked for brass/copper radiators when mine leaked a couple of months ago. I didn't find any. I only found two full aluminum radiators on Ebay. Of course, I started my own thread on the radiator I got having a bent bracket and the seller's customer service via bay messaging was poor. Took them forever to do a partial refund. I refuse to use a radiator with plastic tanks unless I know I won't have the vehicle for long.

 

[koda2000]

I looked for brass/copper radiators when mine leaked a couple of months ago. I didn't find any. I only found two full aluminum radiators on Ebay. Of course, I started my own thread on the radiator I got having a bent bracket and the seller's customer service via bay messaging was poor. Took them forever to do a partial refund. I refuse to use a radiator with plastic tanks unless I know I won't have the vehicle for long.

I read your all-aluminum radiator thread. I figure the original plastic sided tank lasted for almost 200k and I doubt the truck will last another 200k (or that I'll have it that long). Plus I'm not willing to spend the extra money on an all-metal radiator for this truck. What can I say, I'm cheap.

 

[SoCal2V]

I just installed a new one a week ago with a 2" core, got it on RockAuto. The price before shipping was like $112 ($130 to my door) iirc; manufacturer is some company called ADPI. The Spectre brand replacement unit that AutoZone sells for about $160 is on RockAuto for $85.

Anyway, as you've figured out the R&R is stupid easy. If you get the 2" core unit like I did you will need to trim off about 1.25" or so off the shroud on top and bottom (I used a Sawzall, a jigsaw or cutoff wheel would have been a little nicer) - which even having to do that I still had the job done in about an hour. So far so good with it.

 

[HELMUT RONER]

Can you post pics of the trimmed areas of the shroud?

 

[SoCal2V]

Can you post pics of the trimmed areas of the shroud?

No prob, I'll try to get one up tomorrow. Is there any way to load attachments here (haven't come across that icon so far) or do I need to use a photobucket acct?