Any Advice on Radiator sizing for replacement?

[rtimgray]

It looks like the radiator in my Case 310g dozer has reached the point that repairs are not feasible any more. I've checked with a Case dealer and they think they can get me a new aftermarket replacement unit - about $900! The only radiator shop anywhere near me is not interested in doing repairs or fabrication to it either (they build boat docks now, primarily). So I'm looking for a different replacement unit that I can make work.

I've looked around on eBay at tractor radiators, and some are available between $150-$200. I was comparing some units that were made for Ford 600 through 4000 models, and the engine sizes ranged from about 144 CI to 192 CI. My dozer has a 188 CI engine. Is there anywhere that I can find a tool to help size a radiator for my application (obviously, I can measure my current radiator, but I don't know how much that tells me).

Now I don't know if engine CI has anything to do with how much heat is generated and how much cooling the engine needs, but that was my first yard stick. Is this a fair assumption or is more in play?

Also, some of the new radiators offer electric fans - would that be a better option to ensure good air circulation, or would I be better to keep my existing fan and fabricate a shroud to fit the new radiator? If I used an electric fan, could I remove my existing fan?

Just at the beginning of figuring out this problem, and I'm not under a time constraint to accomplish the task. I've got some fabrication options regarding how to mount a radiator - I can cut, grind, weld, drill, etc.

I would really appreciate any information that anybody has regarding any of this.

Thanks for the help.

Good luck and take care.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Just one thing to think about, size is important or fit, but the thickness is more important for extra cooling capacity. If there is room between the existing radiator and the existing fan, the increase the thickness by an inch and get much more cooling capacity. If your current fan is working ok, then I would stay with that. No use in spending money for electric fans that wont work any better than the fan you have (assuming you have a proper shroud.

 

[mitch becton]

just a few questions do you know the core size which is only the radiator flews only also are the upper and lower radiator tanks reuseable if you can get both these you can call several places to get just core and get radiator tanks moved to it and in all of this you should be able to find complete radiator for a good bit less than $900.00 and by the way please tell us where you are located someone may someone in your area that could also help

 

[Redlands Okie]

His info from clicking on his name says Bismarck Arkansas. No idea if its still accurate.

 

[Gary Fowler]

His info from clicking on his name says Bismarck Arkansas. No idea if its still accurate.

I am not the OP in this case, but my info is accurate. I have no idea on the size of anything mentioned by the OP.
If he were here, we have a radiator shop in Hot Springs that would rebuild his radiator if the upper and lower tanks are good by installing a new core which is much cheaper than a new radiator. He can also get solid brass tanks for new radiators rather than the current plastic tops and bottoms.

 

[mitch becton]

brass tanks very good they are many companies that have the cores good luck to your friend

 

[Industrial Toys]

You have a core, I think it a no-brainer to go as far afield as you need to to get it rebuilt.

I am looking for a rad for a project and it's difficult. Sizing, and getting a shroud and in my case a fan. Fortunately, there is a rad shop close by, but he can't help if I have nothing to give him. He says, Aluminum rads are putting him out of business.

 

[rtimgray]

I have found a radiator shop that is about an hour away that says they can probably repair/re-core it. Several of them that I called either didn't work on radiators any more (they are usually welding/fab shops in this area) or they weren't interested in working on mine because of age. However, their quick estimate (based on a general repair and recore) was going to be considerably more than the similar sized radiators that I have priced (about $350-$400) was their off the cuff estimate.

The size of the core is approx. 18" x 18", 3 rows deep, 8 fins/row.

I'm in western KY.

Good luck and take care.