4.0 Radiator thoughts...

Undrstm8ed · #1 06-25-2017, 08:00 PM

Few online searches as well as on here, didnt really see what I wanted so I figured I'd ask the opinions of others.

Vehicle options: 4.0L, Manual, working A/C,

I fixed the AC months ago, prior to that, new radiator cap, new overflow tank, new hoses, etc.. and the water pump checks out in good condition. But seems since the AC repair(s) and being now here in Nevada which may or may have nothing to do with it other than temperatures. I've noticed that the cooling system has a bit more load or pressure on it than before it seems when using the AC; now the plastic end tanks are starting to show there age as I am finding small sealing issues.

With the temps 110° +/- 8° here in Vegas 2 months out of the year, the heavier loads I carry on the daily, the amount of offroad traveling opportunities I encounter; I am tempted to pick up a new radiator but the heavy duty which is meant for an automatic [it has the internal trans/oil cooler which could be made to function as an oil cooler possibly] and its a 2 row compared to the single row it seems I have even with the 4.0L OHV.

Cost effective its only about $20 more, seems to offer all the same dimensions as the original of course only exception it being 2 rows.

Eventually soon I'll be replacing the clutch fan with an electric unit simply due to the fact I do end up doing water crossings and we get flash floods out of no where oddly enough here from time to time. I want to be able to shut down that fan.

I think the only thing I may have to consider is pulling out my 180° T/stat and going back to the 195° T/stat to get the heat out of it in the winter months because it may not get there. Even though it doesnt get that cold here, I guess I could always see what it does with it but.. Maybe I'll get a 195 and just keep it in the truck spare parts as a JIC clause.

This way I can prep the trucks cooling system for a little more coolant, slightly larger radiator as far as cooling properties are concerned. I doubt it will hold that much more but then too I can address the issue at hand and be one more step closer to finishing all the cooling system concerns.

Whats the group think? Stick with stock or do the 2 Row HD?

Jswifto · #2 06-25-2017, 08:28 PM

Go with the 2 row and put the 195 thermostat back in it.

Undrstm8ed · #3 06-26-2017, 06:46 PM

So, ordered the 2 row HD rad and a replacement rad cap from Motorcraft, should be here by Friday.

I did happen to notice that every brand also common to the local parts stores only offered a 13lb Pressure cap [13 Pound/Square Foot = 0.09028 Psi] and only the Ford unit offered a 16lb one [16 Pound/Square Foot = 0.11111 Psi]. Others reading this may not know what that means but the higher the pressure in the system (without over doing it) the higher the boiling point of the coolant is and the better it cools. It's only a 0.2 addition but that's still good.

Rather than spend a lot of time reiterating through cutting and pasting I'll add this link. http://www.tuneruniversity.com/blog/...-radiator-cap/

I also ordered some additional parts.

I ordered a brand NEW Volvo 2 speed fan & a NEW shroud meant for a 92 Volvo 940, the Volvo [Stribel] 2 speed fan controller relay pack, some Volvo pig tail harnesses for that, a BMW dual Temp sensor and some pigtail wires to make a harness, along with a Mishimoto 38mm hose adapter through 12degnorth to do a E-Fan swap. Concepts of someone else's install below.

I've been weighing out the benefits of staying clutch fan or going E-fan and I think my reasons for it are more justified. Sanity of noise as well being able to shut the fan off during water crossings that may be questionable in depth are key. Whether the MPG actually increases & parasitic losses or gains reveal themselves, well that is left unsaid until proven. So Ideally below is the goal but I needed to get new parts for other reasons of aesthetics, print, and video usage wise.

So when all those parts come in, I'll try and do a nice write up on it and share it too.