M radiator--repair advice?

zooeyhall · Sep 2, 2013

I need to repair the radiator on my Farmall M. It's not leaking, but some of the spot welds on the core supports have broken. Also spot welds on the brackets that hold the top tank on.

I would like to ask any radiator experts out there if something like this can be fixed?

If I need to replace the radiator, can anyone advise on where to get the best new one? I've heard most of them are made in China now, and that they just don't fit right.

DeltaRed · Sep 2, 2013

Take that radiator to reputable rad shop,they can easily repair it.While it there,have them clean it and service it.If it needs replaceing(it wont) they can obtain a USA radiator.Or find a good used one.

Pete_5959 · Sep 2, 2013

Zoo...I went through the same deal a few months back. My core also leaked. A old school radiator shop can repair but...mighty pricey in my neck of the woods. I saved $300 by buying a new one. I used a Northern brand and it fit just fine and appears to be well made. Best price I could find was from tractor restoration supply.

BigTone · Sep 3, 2013

I have one of those cheap china made radiators for my M, it doesn't fit. In order to make it fit I have to put two rubber washers on one side and nothing on the other. Needless to say I went through just what you described. It cost $350 to have the radiator cleaned, welds fixed, and core serviced. A new Chinese radiator is $400, if it's an original radiator fix it unless the radiator shop can find you a made in the USA radiator for the M. Don't buy that Chinese junk! good luck, ~Anthony

AG in IN · Sep 3, 2013

By all means if that is all that is wrong with it, fix it or have it fixed. A good radiator shop is getting to be a harder thing to find, though.

I've installed several new H and M radiators imported from the country thats quickly becoming "we wish we could get it almost right". Only a couple have bolted in with ease. Most could be made to fit if you don't care about what your hood alignment looked like when you're done. A couple just would not come close, as the steering shaft would rub, it was impossible to put a drain pipe on because it was made wrong, or the nuts for the grille were placed so it would require considerable enlargement of the holes in the grille for the mounting bolts.

The last 2 or 3 bad radiators I've had the originals (or early replacements) recored. Well worth the extra money in my opinion.

There is no reason to cobble-up new parts to make them work or to cobble-up your existing stuff to accomodate the new parts.

AG

M radiator--repair advice?

zooeyhall

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DeltaRed

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Pete_5959

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BigTone

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AG in IN

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