[AT] radiator core replacement

[Dean VP]

Ken:

I don't have first hand experience with your model tractors but do have some
relative to JD & Cubs.  JD's prices on radiators or associated components
are out of sight so I have had to look elsewhere. For some reason there is a
very wide price spread on radiator cores, I suspect due to whether they are
made here or overseas. There also may be cooling efficiency differences
however, I have never noticed the difference but I don't work my tractors
all day in 100 degree heat either. With those caveats in mind I would
recommend looking at:

www.valu-bilt.com

www.aiproducts.com

There are many more but these url's just happen to be handy. A Google search
will bring more up. There were some antique tractor radiator sellers on eBay
for awhile but the only substantial one I see now is "completeradiators"
which presently only shows one Case radiator. 

Also in my experience the vendors either include the required gaskets or
have them available for sale. 

As far as removing the bolts without twisting them off, Good Luck.  The best
luck I have had so far is heating the bolt heads with an acetylene torch
before trying to remove them and then using a de-tuned impact wrench to
break them loose.  "Don't want to do this if you have a good core". I cannot
set the reverse torque on my torque wrench but what I can do is add a bunch
of extensions and swivels between the impact wrench and the socket which
seems to reduce the actual torque that gets to the bolt heads. In my
experience you have to do so anyway to avoid an interference with the core,
at least on the bottom tank part. I've replaced 3 - I/H Cub radiator cores
w/o twisting off a bolt using this process and they are quite small bolts.
The pounding of the impact wrench does seem to knock them loose w/o twisting
them off.  Better than using just a straight wrench or socket where the
temptation to apply too much force is irresistible. Patience is a real
virtue. In this case using a BFH is entirely the wrong method.

Unfortunately the success here really depends on the condition of the bolts
and how rusted they are in the casting.  So YMMV!  I guess this is somewhat
like "how do porcupines make love?"  Very carefully!

Dean A. Van Peursem
Snohomish, WA 98290

I'm a walking storeroom of facts..... I've just lost the key to the
storeroom door 


www.deerelegacy.com

http://members.cox.net/classicweb/email.htm



-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of ken knierim
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2005 12:05 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: [AT] radiator core replacement

I've got a couple tractors that need radiator core replacement and was
thinking I'd take them on but have no experience at this kind of thing.
I'd like to replace the core on my TD-14 crawler and one on a D Case. 

Since I've never looked into this, what does it take to get them apart
without breaking the tank castings and/or all the bolts? And where does
someone find the seals and such to put them all together? Or would those
be in some sort of core replacement kit? Anyone do this before and/or
have recommendations?


Thanks!

Ken Knierim

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