A different radiator issue

[radioguy41]

I bought a new radiator for the Lo-Boy way back in the Fall but because of the cracked bolster problems I'm just now at the point of installing it and have come across a problem that I don't remember seeing discussed before. The new radiator came with an 8lb pressure cap so I took it off and tried to put on the no pressure cap. It goes on and it starts to turn but as the wings come around the one facing rearward makes contact with the overflow hose and won't turn the rest of the way. When compared with the original radiator the overflow tube on the new one is just slightly higher on the neck than the original. Anyone else run into this? Anybody know of a no pressure cap that sits higher on the neck? If worse comes to worse I may just have to Dremel some metal off the bottom of the radiator cap wings so it clears.

Of primary concern, however, is whether that overflow tube being higher up the neck is going to interfere with the hood and not allow it to sit all the way down. I'd hate to go through all the work to install the radiator, including sealing the gasket, and find out it won't allow the hood to sit all the way down. I may just have to dry fit the radiator and test fit the hood to see where I'm at. This is incredibly annoying.

[NJ Farmer]

Larry just dry fit it…..dont put sealant on the gasket just bolt up the radiator with a few bolts and put the supports on finally try fitting the hood.

NJ Farmer

[tst]

this is a problem for many aftermarket radiators, they used a 3/4 " neck and the radiator was slightly shorter, they do make a new 1 " tall neck , of course it will need to be soldered on but with new metal its no big deal, it will clear the hood now and overflow will work

[radioguy41]

Yeah, I dry fitted it and it's even worse. First, the cap actually hits the tube even without a hose connected and second, the inlets don't line up.

Click on image for a larger view.

[Don McCombs]

What’s the source of the new radiator?

[Jim Becker]

If the pressure cap fits, just use it.

[radioguy41]

It wouldn't matter since the hood sits on the overflow tube and that keeps it above the bolt holes where it fastens onto the radiator stanions. Can't fasten the front of the hood.

[NJ Farmer]

That radiator should be returned to sender……it isnt going to work since it is way out of dimensions.
You might want to write a review of this radiator where you bought it from so someone else (fellow cubber) wont run into this nosense down the road…..

NJ Farmer

[radioguy41]

My kid got it for me and it took a while to get the info. It came from Ebay and the seller is Radiators R Us. I've been in contact with the seller and he claims IH offered 2 different radiators, 1 for pressurized systems and 1 for non-pressurized systems and that we ordered the wrong one which is why the cap dosen't clear the overflow tube. Yeah, right. Of course he only sells 1 radiator and lists all the IH part numbers associated with a Cub radiator as being compatible. Note in the photo how the hood sits on the overflow.

Click on image for a larger view.

[Don McCombs]

I’d still return it if I could. It obviously isn’t going to work for you. If he/she won’t take it back, file a complaint with eBay.

[NJ Farmer]

just curious does anyone know of a quality replacement Cub Radiator that will fit without any problems?

NJ Farmer

I dont need one now……but you never know!

[Don McCombs]

I have no first hand experience. But, from what I’ve read here, such an animal no longer exists. Some products are better than others, but there appears to be none without some form of fitment issues.

[staninlowerAL]

I've not had it done with a cub radiator but the option to recore your old radiator is a possibility. JMHO Stan

[tst]

there are cores available made in usa but you pay for them, they are costly

[radioguy41]

And you need to have a radiator shop nearby and they are becoming extinct. The local one closed a couple of years ago.