How are the 3R aluminum radiators?

[chris142]

Went to lunch and on my way back to the shop my American Eagle 2R Radiator split a tube. They are going to warranty it with a 3R.

My question is. My old Rad has 2 rows of 1inch tubes. The new 3R will have 3 rows of 5/8 tubes so in my eyes I will lose some capacity.

Thoughts?

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I don't think you'll lose much. My math says 2x1"=2" of cooling tubes on the old radiator. 3x5/8"+15/8" or 1 7/8" of cooling tubes on the new radiator. There may be more in play than just my odd math. There may be a difference in the number of tubes per inch or even the number of cooling fins themselves per inch. These may play a part in your overall cooling capacity too.

 

[chris142]

I will check that. Never been real happy with the 2R. Always ran pretty warm when working it even with the fan clutch screaming.

 

[chris142]

The 2R has 76 tubes per row and 16 fins per inch.

The 3R also has 76 tubes per row but 13 fins per inch.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I'm no expert on radiators, but it does seem like you could be losing some cooling capacity. Can they replace it with another one like is already in the truck?

 

[chris142]

I'm no expert on radiators, but it does seem like you could be losing some cooling capacity. Can they replace it with another one like is already in the truck?

No. they dont have the 2R anymore

 

[chris142]

The 3R is in.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Here's wishing you the best.

 

[icanfixall]

Everything posted tells me your loosing cooling fins and capacity but.. Test run it and post back.It will not take much testing to figure this out.

 

[chris142]

Everything posted tells me your loosing cooling fins and capacity but.. Test run it and post back.It will not take much testing to figure this out.

I drove to town and back but thats without any load. Did fine.

 

[chris142]

Whoa! They will warranty the radiator but I have to eat the return shipping. Walked into the ups store and was quoted $204.40 to ship it less than 100 miles!

Called american eagle and they are going to send me a call tag. They must get a special rate to ship boxes.