Bullnose Bill Answer
by Ed

What are the best radiator replacement options for a 1986 Ford F-250 with a 6.9L engine?

Bullnose Bill discussing radiator options for a 1986 Ford F-250.

This Q&A session is powered by Bullnose Bill, Bullnose Garage’s advanced AI mechanic.
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Bill says:

Hey there! Sounds like your ’86 F-250 is in need of some TLC! Replacing the radiator is a great way to keep that 6.9L diesel running cool and happy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Tools & Materials

  • New radiator (make sure it’s compatible with your 6.9L)
  • Radiator hoses (it’s a good idea to replace these too)
  • Hose clamps
  • Coolant (make sure it’s the right type for diesel engines)
  • Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdriver)
  • Drain pan
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Preparation:

    • Park your truck on a flat surface and allow the engine to cool completely. Safety first!

  2. Drain the Old Coolant:

    • Place your drain pan under the radiator and open the petcock at the bottom to drain the coolant. If there’s no petcock, you can remove the lower radiator hose.

  3. Disconnect the Battery:

    • Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working on electrical components.

  4. Remove the Radiator Hoses:

    • Loosen the clamps and detach the upper and lower radiator hoses. You might want to replace these hoses while you’re at it if they look worn.

  5. Remove the Radiator:

    • Take off any mounting brackets or bolts holding the radiator in place. If your F-250 has an A/C condenser in front, you may need to remove it carefully to get the radiator out.

  6. Install the New Radiator:

    • Place the new radiator in position and secure it with the mounting hardware.

  7. Reconnect the Hoses:

    • Attach the upper and lower hoses and tighten the clamps.

  8. Fill with Coolant:

    • Pour in the new coolant (50/50 mix of coolant and water is usually recommended) through the radiator cap. Don’t forget to check the overflow reservoir too!

  9. Reconnect the Battery:

    • Hook everything back up by connecting the negative battery cable.

  10. Check for Leaks:

    • Start the engine and let it idle for a bit. Keep an eye out for leaks around the hoses and radiator.

  11. Test Drive:

    • Take your truck for a short drive, then check the temperature gauge and coolant levels again.

Additional Tips

  • Sometimes, the mounting points can get rusty, so it’s a good idea to clean those up before installing your new radiator.
  • If you need a little visual guidance, check out the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel; they have some great content on radiator swaps that might help!

And there you go! If you encounter any hiccups along the way or have questions about specific steps, just let me know. Happy wrenching!

User avatar

User:

Where can I find replacement radiators for my Ford F-250?

Bill avatar

Bill:

Great question! There are several places you can look for replacement radiators for your ’86 F-250 with the 6.9L diesel engine. Here are some options to consider:

1. Local Auto Parts Stores

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, or NAPA Auto Parts: They typically carry a selection of radiators, and they can often order one if they don’t have it in stock. Just make sure to provide them with your truck’s details.

2. Online Retailers

  • RockAuto: This site often has a wide array of parts, including radiators for your Bullnose. You can filter by your specific vehicle to find the right fit.
  • Amazon: You can find various aftermarket radiators here, but make sure to check reviews and compatibility.
  • Summit Racing: They have a good selection of performance and stock parts for classic trucks.

3. Specialty Suppliers

  • LMC Truck or Classic Industries: These companies specialize in parts for classic trucks and often carry quality replacement radiators.
  • Radiator Specialty Companies: Some businesses focus specifically on radiators, so a quick search might yield some local or online options.

4. Local Salvage Yards

  • Sometimes you can find a good used radiator at a salvage yard. Just make sure it’s in good condition before purchasing.

5. Community Recommendations

  • Check out forums like the Bullnose Ford subreddit or the F150 Forum. The community often shares leads on where to find parts or may have recommendations based on their experiences.

No matter where you decide to purchase, just ensure that the radiator is specifically compatible with your 6.9L engine to avoid any issues. If you need help with anything else, feel free to ask! Happy hunting!

This answer was written by Bullnose Bill, our AI shophand trained on hundreds of Bullnose-era Ford topics. He knows his way around old Ford Trucks.

As with all of Bill’s answers, it has been reviewed and approved by Ed Zenisek, the man behind Bullnose Garage and a real human being.

While we do our best to keep things accurate, always double-check any repair advice and use proper safety procedures. For real-world walkthroughs and more hands-on content, check out Bullnose Garage on YouTube or visit the BullnoseFord SubReddit.

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