When to replace radiator

Tony292 · Aug 1, 2017

My radiator appears to possibly be the original 1942 unit. Doesn't leak, but looks like t had been through WW2. Looking for inputs on replacement radiators and good/bad experiences so that I can make a good informed decision when mine craps out.

Tony292 · Aug 1, 2017

Tall T · Aug 1, 2017

(quoted from post at 12:39:41 08/01/17)

Tony,

To improve cooling (and battered look) you can open up all those flattened cooling fins yourself with the appropriate bread knife.

Bruce (VA) · Aug 1, 2017

Replace the radiator when a competent radiator shop tells you in can not be repaired or recored.

My friends w/ Model A Fords and old Ford tractors have dealt w/ the same radiator shop for 20+ years. In all that time, we were told exactly once that a Model A radiator was beyond repair.
75 Tips

Dune Country · Aug 1, 2017

There is a tool for that, called a fin comb but a butter knife works also. For that one find a good radiator shop

Tim PloughNman Daley RIP · Aug 1, 2017

Never ever buy anything new like a radiator, carburetor, distributor, generator, starter, governor, and more for these old Fords when you can get the originals rebuilt/restored. You'd be amazed what a reliable radiator shop can do. Locate the best one in your area and take it here. If they say it can't be fixed say thank you and walk down the street to the next guy. I once ran into a large pine tree and put my radiator into my spinning fan blade. I thought it was toast but when I got it back I couldn't tell it had ever been damaged...

TPD

HCooke · Aug 1, 2017

Your picture doesn't look so bad to me. Are you having cooling problems?

tractorguy2 · Aug 1, 2017

When I bought my 9n. The radiator looked a lot like yours. I
straighten the fins myself. I had the radiator out and was
waiting for parts. Two or three times a day. I would take a
screwdriver and straighten 20 fins. Didn't take very long till I
had them straight.

That was back in 1999. The radiator is still working. It's the
original non pressurized radiator.

Dean · Aug 1, 2017

Your OEM radiator is or MUCH higher quality than any of the aftermarket radiators and it fits properly.

I NEVER replace an OEM radiator. Rather, if necessary, I have the OEM radiator re-cored with a proper flat-finned industrial core.

Alternatively, if damaged beyond salvaging, I find a decent used OEM radiator for repair/re-core.

Dean

NoNewParts · Aug 2, 2017

your radiator actually doesn't look too bad....
I've owned a lot of tractors for a lot of years and if the radiator holds water and I don't damage it....it still holds water.
I'd leave it be.
Radiators are like loaded tire valve stems...if they don't leak...don't touch em...ever

Like the other guys are saying, if you are worried, keep your eyes open and snag a used original radiator when you can and keep it for a spare. Ford N parts are common as dirt. And original OEM parts are far superior to any shiny new part you can buy today.

When to replace radiator

Tony292

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Tony292

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Tall T

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Bruce (VA)

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Dune Country

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Tim PloughNman Daley RIP

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HCooke

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tractorguy2

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Dean

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NoNewParts

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