Is there a definitive answer?

[HM-8404]

I have had my 136K mi. '08 F250 for a month now and have noticed evidence of a coolant leak at the bottom left corner of radiator. After 25 miles of highway speeds, unloaded, I noticed a spot of coolant about 4" in diameter after sitting for 2 days. This tells me it is a minor leak. I assume this means a new radiator. Yay me!

My question is twofold.

1. I have been looking at replacement radiators and they run the gambit from about $500 to close to $1000 for all aluminum. When I replace it I will go ahead and replace t-stats while I am there. I will also install the new T if it has not already been installed. I am wondering if replacing those parts will make it ok to go back with the $500 OEM style radiator? Does anyone have enough time/miles to know for sure that the all aluminum radiators will not leak? I'm not too keen on spending an extra $500 if only going to get me a few more miles or no additional miles if the plastic tank radiators work after those replacements. That extra $500 could go toward EGR/DPF deletes. Which I will do in January. I prefer to do all at once.

Which brings up question #2...How quickly does this have to be replaced?

[ruizhernandeztrust]

I can't answer your question #2 but the OEM radiator is quite reliable (some bad apples here and there) As you may know some 2008 models had a recall for bad radiators. My radiator (OEM) is holding well.

[Ding126]

the few after market Radiators I've looked at offer a lifetime warranty..As much as I like OE parts..I would consider an aftermarket in this case.