39 F-20 radiator

Central Illinois · Jun 21, 2012

I bought a new core for my f20. I trial fitted it last night and it seems like it could be slightly tall. From what I've read on the search all of these radiator cores basically come from the same place. For those of you that have put in a new one how close have they fit? I could tighted the bolts and let the outer portion bend some but I am a little gun shy on trying it. When I set it on the floor and compare it to my old probably original core it looks like it is really close in height. Do these cores usually fit right or not? Thanks.

Nebraska Cowman · Jun 22, 2012

The few I've put in, (various tractors) always seem tight til I get the gasket crushed down. Get out your tape measure. The core itself should be the same. The old one may measure 1/8 or so small just because of the nature of the corners being crushed down. Off the top of my head I believe the F30 core is just slightly taller (less than an inch) and could get confused.

Oldiron29 · Jun 22, 2012

CI, I think Howard has it on the core size. Could you give us a little info on the best price you got and where you got it from.
Thanks oldiron29

Anonymous-0 · Jun 22, 2012

Had the same problem on my 36 F20 resto. Had it all together and bolted down and there was a bow in it. Took pictures, took it all apart and sent it back and was able to exchange it for another one, which was somewhat better but not perfect. I ended up shimming the bottom of the new core with the flanges I cut off the old one. That worked and I have had no issues since. You are right about them all coming from one place........China.! BTW, what are you using for gaskets? I think you're better off making your own. Some of the gaskets I've seen are way too thin.

Central Illinois · Jun 22, 2012

I decided to go ahead and give it a try. First I measured it in several places and it seemed ok. When I tightened it up it was snug and made a few noises but it did fit. There isn't a bow in it either so I guess it will work. I ended up getting it through Alderson Tractor. They were quite a bit cheaper than anyone else. It came with gaskets also. They were kind of a rubbery compound and I'm not sure I like them but they did seal. Now hopefully all of the coolant will stay in and stay in the right spot. Thanks for the replies.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 24, 2012

Sounds good. I also got my rad from Alderson Tractor. Darrell is great to do business with. Took the first rad back (the bowed one )and sent me another. after reassembling, I plugged up the bottom connection and strapped it up to one of the poles in my pole barn sittin on a couple of sawhorses, filled it, and let it set for a couple of weeks. Then, and only then did I put it back on the tractor.

39 F-20 radiator

Central Illinois

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Nebraska Cowman

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Oldiron29

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Anonymous-0

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Central Illinois

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Anonymous-0

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