smta radiator

cazzhrdwd · Jul 26, 2009

I need a new radiator. Shop said old one was shot. Where would be the best place to buy one. This site has great prices on them, But is it good quality. Or should I get a used one from salvage.

Thanks in advance

soybeanjoe · Jul 26, 2009

Who is to say that there isn't going to be anything wrong with a salvage one? I bought a used one with the agreement that I didn't have to pay for it till it passed a pressure test at the local radiator shop.

I have also had the local rad shop get me a new core & redo my radiator. Though I do believe that the last time I checked the new cores are not the same as the original. I don't recall for sure but believe it's in the number of tubes the cores have. New core has less.

Wardner · Jul 27, 2009

I would take a condition appraisal by any radiator shop as worthless. They will reflexively condemn any antique radiator (or for that matter ANY radiator) when asked for an evaluation. They think they have you over a barrel.

You have to do your own testing with a set of rubber expansion plugs purchased at a plumbing supply shop. Actually molded rubber caps are better and safer. Use a polyethylene tub similar to a mason's mixing tub for a tank. Regulate the air for no more than 15 lbs. Total cost is less than $20.

Even if you have unlimited funds, the best part of this procedure is knowing that you have not been scammed. And you get to keep the original part.

Use google to get a better understanding of radiator repair.

As a side note, I once met a radiator repair shop owner at his house. He had two forty foot shipping containers full of old cores and an overflow smattering of loaded pallets behind his barn. He said that was his retirement account.

cazzhrdwd · Jul 27, 2009

Wardner I agree with you assesment, but this guy I do trust. He came highly recomended. The radiator had one large hole and a large gash on the other side plus it leaked all around the tanks top and bottom. Plus this tractor is from texas and all they used was water, so its filled with rust. Would a new radiator from this site hurt the value. I'm also not opposed to getting one from salvage.

Andy Martin · Jul 27, 2009

I have used several radiators from China on M's I farm with and have had good success. You will have to modify them to get them to fit, but it is not hard work. If you are planning on them not fitting right out of the box you'll feel better about the finished job.

SDE · Jul 27, 2009

I have a radiator from a 400 that has open cracks in the top. I believe the rest of it is ok. I don't know if you are interested but I would rather get rid of it to a better home that to keep it here as junk. E-mail me if you are interested.
Steve

sflem849 · Jul 28, 2009

Joe is correct. Our local radiator shop (Wedige Radiator in Elkhorn, WI) recores them all the time.
Go to a real shop that doesn't just sell new radiators and they can easily do this. Basically they unbraze the top and bottom off the radiator and put new fins in it. You said it was really rusty, but the ends are huge cavitys so once you get it open you can clean it right out. I would Por-15 it when it is open to seal the rust off.
I have heard the cheap China radiators fit like crap. With that said, most guys like them after they cuss at them for a couple hours trying to get them to fit. If you pull with the tractor you will like it because they are lighter than the original. That should tell you something about quality, but I don't own one.

smta radiator

cazzhrdwd

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soybeanjoe

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Wardner

Well-known Member

cazzhrdwd

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Andy Martin

Well-known Member

SDE

Well-known Member

sflem849

Well-known Member

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