Champion Radiator Install Question

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BBslider001

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Planning on the install in the morning. The rad has two ports on the driver's side. Do I need to plug those with a fitting? Seems like those ports are for an oil cooler that I don't believe I have. Other than that, radiator looks well built. Thanks for any input.
 
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BBslider001

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That's the engine oil cooler. When I installed a new radiator, I just left the plastic shipping plugs in place, since I wasn't going to use it.
Thank you! It didn't come with any plugs, but I can get some from work. Much appreciated.
 

BBslider001

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Well, a couple of updates. First of all, I am an idiot. I have an oil cooler, so those holes got used. LOL....yeah, anyways, second, it is cooling better, but not like I thought. I have a 180* thermostat, but with AC running on a 103* day, it goes to 210-215 and stays there. Now it doesn't get hot idling or in traffic like it had been previously. It was hitting 240*, so that issue is fixed. I thought it would be cooler going down the road though. I wonder if the thermostat is no good and not opening like it should? I have a new fan, new clutch that I hear engaging, and and good coolant with no rust. My water pump isn't leaking and was replaced 2 years ago. If this is just the way it cools, then ok, but I feel like with this new 3 row, it should be staying at 180-185. Am I missing something? With the AC off, stays cool like I expected.
 

smdk2500

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With the ac on your dumping a bunch of extra heat out in front of the radiator and also putting a extra load on the engine thus creating more heat On my truck I see about a 5-10 degree temp difference with the ac on vs ac off. I would put a 190 thermostat in it. It won't help with the engine running any cooler but I have seen issues with running a cooler thermostat then what the vehicle was designed with.
 

BBslider001

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With the ac on your dumping a bunch of extra heat out in front of the radiator and also putting a extra load on the engine thus creating more heat On my truck I see about a 5-10 degree temp difference with the ac on vs ac off. I would put a 190 thermostat in it. It won't help with the engine running any cooler but I have seen issues with running a cooler thermostat then what the vehicle was designed with.
Good info. I have a 190 so I'll change it out and I need a new upper rad hose. The one I put on there is a cheapie and actually has a smaller diameter than the factory one. I'd like a Gates. Thanks for the input! On a positive note, I did clean my condenser coils when I had the old radiator out in the AC is running much cooler.
 

454cid

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I'd check/replace the thermostat. You should have a radiator of adequate capacity, so it must be you're not moving the heat to the radiator.....easiest mostly likely culprit is the thermostat. Mine is the opposite.... I think mine is sticking partially open.
 

df2x4

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One other thing to consider, are you sure you're running the correct fan clutch and fan for your truck? Going by your signature I'm assuming the truck in question is a '95 K2500 'burb with a 454, which I would think should have a severe duty clutch and something besides the base model five blade steel fan. If a previous owner has swapped to a standard duty clutch then you may not be moving as much air through the radiator as you should be.
 

smdk2500

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Good info. I have a 190 so I'll change it out and I need a new upper rad hose. The one I put on there is a cheapie and actually has a smaller diameter than the factory one. I'd like a Gates. Thanks for the input! On a positive note, I did clean my condenser coils when I had the old radiator out in the AC is running much cooler.
I would most definitly change the t-stat if it has a smaller diameter. It might be slowing down the flow to the rad. My truck with the 6.5 runs 195ish at 100 degrees with the ac on. And the 6.5 is knowen for having a terrible cooling system pre 96.
 
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