Radiator core for JD B, 1949

I'm planning to replace the radiator core on my 1949 B.

I see there are a number of suppliers, is there any difference between them except for price?

How closely do they match the original?

Thanks

I don't know if any any made in US anymore. JD uses " A&I " which aren't China junk but not made here either. I have one in my 1950 "B" for last 7 yrs no problems and reasonable price. That's what most of the aftermarket tractor parts suppliers carry.

Can't comment exactly on the suppliers, however I would say the procedure you use in installing the core may be as important. You need to be clean both the upper and lower tanks and use the proper bolts and be particular in the torque of the bolts. Be sure both of the parts are at the same temperature and use a good sealer. I always used the black sealant from Deere. It's a little messy but makes a good seal. Don't over tighten your bolts and make sure they are evenly tighten. The B's are siphon system so you could leak test it before putting back on tractor. It's a straight forward procedure.

"JD uses " A&I ""

NOT a surprise since JD OWNS A&I!

A&I rads made in Ireland

The cheaper cores have less rows of tubes, with no water pump you don't want to loose heat transfer surface area. On another note I found that a core out of a 1940 B bolted right into the radiator castings on my 50. It's worked fine for 15 years.

Kent, I had an age related moment and couldn't remember the country. Thanks for posting it.

I don't think the B and 50 (late model) is comparable. The late model 50 uses a pressure system with thermostat. Like automotive the pressure system radiators are generally more narrow.

Pressure or no pressure it bolted right in and has run fine(no leaks) for 15 years. If you want to put a water pump on that late B just get the lower tank and pipe from a 50 and bolt it on.

Thanks for the info and suggestions!!

Here's some additional info:

The core currently in the tractor may be the original, it has a tag from Modine on it, but the only number I can read looks like a serial number, not a JD part number. The Number is AD(or B?)-4851L059. The radiator has been worked on sometime in the past, as there was silicone sealant between the core and the bottom tank, so it is possible the core was replaced, but if so, it was long ago, as it looks "well aged"!!

This radiator has 2 rows of 26 tubes, and 1 row of 25 tubes.

What I've found on-line from one supplier has 4 rows of 29 tubes each row, and claims to be the "original" configuration.

From the JD parts book, it looks like all the B's from S/N B60000 on should be the same part number, AB3599R.

Did Deere change the configuration of the radiator over the years? Doesn't seem likely if they used the same part number, but possible.

Can anyone confirm the original radiator configuration that would have been used in 1949, S/N B252xxx?

I'm attempting to restore the tractor as close to original as possible, any additional help greatly appreciated!!

I read somewhere that Modine originally started up just to build radiators for JD and then sprouted out from there. Their original location was very close to JD waterloo for that reason. It may well be an original or a Modine replacement but in keeping with your originality plan, might be nice to affix that tag to whatever you put in.

I used an IRISH made radiator in my '41B 2 years ago. Was very pleasantly surprised by fit and finish. Mounted up perfectly and no issues at all. An EBAY purchase if I recall, modest price and fast.
HTH, Bob

I got my radiator for my A on Ebay and it was made in Ireland by Clancy. It fit like it supposed to everything lined up. I used some good Permatex Black on it and no leaks. I gave 240 and it had free shipping within 3 days. They have them for a B for a little cheaper.