BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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Need a radiator?
I just put a new radiator in my 97 f350 diesel. The old one has 110,000 miles on it, but it's still good.
I was going to keep it for a spare, but no matter where I put the thing, it's in the way. I'm tired of moving it around my garage. I hate to throw
it out since it still works. Before I do, I thought I'd see if someone with more room than I have wants it as a backup.
You'll have to pick it up in So. Cal., Please U2U me if you can use it.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Hey big woo, what kind of coolant are your running? Using the Ford SCAs still?
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Mr Woo, why did you change it ? Bigger? Mo cores?
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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Sharks,
Unfortunately I’m a bit of a mechanical marooon when it comes to cars and trucks. My neighbor races pro trucks, and is my mechanic, so I often
default to his judgment. Whatever coolant I have is what he felt was best to use. I’ll ask him next time I talk to him.
I didn’t get a different or special radiator, as the truck got older, I just set artificial goal that when it hit 100,000 miles I’d slowly start
replacing all the things that normally wear out. I’m getting down to the last few things on my list. I replaced the water pump and radiator just
before our last trip. I’m glad we replaced the water pump. The pump didn’t have symptoms of wear, but the bearings were nearly shot. The impeller
base was just starting to wear on the housing. I’m confident changing it out averted a breakdown during our last trip in January. The radiator’s
still ok, but at least I have the confidence of running on a new one.
If we were retired I probably wouldn’t worry as much, but I hate wasting valuable vacation time fixing worn out parts when we should be enjoying Baja.
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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I have a 92 F350 with almost 250,000 miles and still on the same radiator. No indications of problems yet - use generic antifreeze/coolant. Still
can idle or run for hours in the 100 deg Baja summers, but thinking might be time to have it pulled and rodded out. Costs $25 to have the local
radiator man do it in San Felipe. He's done a couple others for me and improved the cooling of my Bronco II and my E150. Also R&R'd a water pump
and clutch fan at no extra charge. Great service and great work.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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Big Woo,
I have a 97 Ford diesel also. One item I'm sure is on your list is the serpentine belt. I'm not sure you would find one in Baja when you needed it.
Ken
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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I had the idler break off (not the tensioner) and it doesn't matter how may serpentine belts you carry (I had a spare one) it doesn't work. Now I
also carry one of those universal belts you cut and fasten together with a bolt. I can put it on and run the water pump, thereby driving it, with a
little difficulty, to get somewhere that has a idler or tensioner. That day I sat and let it cool, drove till the temp started up, then stopped for a
while, let it cool, then drove again. Good thing part of the East Mexicali crossing is downhill.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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Better with a tensioner, but if you really work at making it tight to start you can get by. I don't worry about the PS, I can manhandle that, but the
water pump is a must.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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Lencho,
I used not to be concerned about parts for my ford..........until with the aid of mechanic in Santa Rosalia we could not find a fuel filter for my
truck. La Paz or Ensenada probably not a concern but between the two I'm not so sure anymore.
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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Ken: I do carry an extra serpentine belt, plus I recently replaced the tensioner and idler. Keep both in a compartment in my service bed for spares.
Lencho, I have some friends that do a lot of racing and pre-running. When faced with really deep water they don't take off the belt, they go through
in reverse. That way the fan and engine are in a trough created by the truck and stay dry. I've never tried it though. I saw video of them doing it
and looked like it works pretty well.
That only works in still water though. If it's moving water no matter how you cross, you can get into more trouble than you can handle really fast.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by tripledigitken
Lencho,
I used not to be concerned about parts for my ford..........until with the aid of mechanic in Santa Rosalia we could not find a fuel filter for my
truck. La Paz or Ensenada probably not a concern but between the two I'm not so sure anymore. |
Ken, invest in an inexpensive rail mounted fuel filter before the one by the engine. Mount it before the fuel pump, too, if practical. It will protect
the more difficult to find stock filter. Most anything with the same inside diameter of your fuel line will work. I use a cheap Wix and bring one with
me.
About 6.00 total, including hose clamps.
[Edited on 5-1-2007 by Hook]
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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Hook,
Thanks for the tip. I always carry a spare. That trip however, I needed 2 spares.
I was surprized one couldn't be found in Santa Rosalia.
Ken
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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Disabled fans while crossing water? Maybe they had one of those fans that operates off an electric motor, one of those special gizmos that lowers
engine temps by about 5 degrees.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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If the water is THAT high, I aint crossing.
I've had to sit next to crossings for hours waiting for them to go down. Usually a crowd developes; the next thing you know, food and drink is being
shared around.
It's the roadies equivalent of making lemonade from lemons.
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