Posted on: March 31, 2025

Some people get to fix trucks in clean, organized shops with lifts, air conditioning, and spotless toolboxes. I am not those people.

Last year, the radiator in my 2016 Mack CXU613 with the MP8 engine decided it had finally had enough. Like clockwork, the OEM plastic-topped radiator failed — right at its weakest point, where the plastic meets the aluminum. Because why make anything durable when you can cut a corner, slap on a $2 plastic part, and call it a day?

Now, I’m not the kind of guy to toss in the towel just because something’s leaking. I slapped on some JB Weld, then some more JB Weld, then a bit more just for good measure. It held surprisingly well… for almost a year. But eventually, it got to the point where I either had to fix it right, or start carrying around a 55-gallon drum of coolant everywhere I went.

The eBay Gamble

OEM replacement? Forget it. Between the price tag and the fact that I already knew it would just fail the same way again, I decided to roll the dice. eBay it is — the great bazaar of busted dreams and mysterious parts from “somewhere overseas.”

To my surprise, I found a Made in America all-aluminum replacement radiator that didn’t cost an arm, a leg, and my next born child. Naturally, I was skeptical. I half expected it to show up shaped like a trapezoid or welded together with chewing gum and false promises.

But when it arrived, it looked pretty damn good. Clean welds, solid construction, and it matched up with the original dimensions. The only issue? The petcock drain plug was broken — naturally. Still worked, but I took it as a reminder: Never get your hopes up too high when shopping on eBay.

No Shop, No Slab, No Problem

Now, let’s talk about the real fun — the install. I don’t have a shop. I don’t even have a concrete pad. What I do have is dirt. And a stubborn streak.

Pulling a radiator out of a Class 8 truck isn’t a one-man job, especially when you’re doing it in the weeds. My engine hoist was too short for the height I needed, so I did what any backwoods innovator would do — rigged up a set of off-road pneumatic tires from Harbor Freight to give it some extra clearance and mobility. It looked ridiculous, but it worked. (Pro tip: if it rolls and it lifts, it’s a lift. OSHA doesn’t live here.)

Got everything disconnected — hoses, brackets, sensors, bolts. Took my time labeling everything because I’ve learned the hard way that “I’ll remember where that goes” is the biggest lie we tell ourselves during a teardown.

Out with the Old

With a little help from my lovely wife (my official spotter, tool runner, and voice of reason), I pulled the old radiator out. It came out surprisingly smooth, considering how long it had been sitting there soaking in JB Weld and regret.

That plastic top tank was even worse than I remembered. Cracked in multiple spots, discolored, brittle. Honestly, I was impressed it lasted as long as it did. The fact that it was still holding any pressure was nothing short of a miracle.

In with the New

The new radiator slid right into place like it belonged there. All the bolt holes lined up. I didn’t even have to curse it into submission, which was a first. Hooked everything back up, made sure the fan shroud was properly mounted, double-checked every hose and clamp, and filled it up with fresh coolant.

I turned the key and let it idle. No leaks. No overheating. Temps stayed right where they should be. I gave it a shake-down run the next day just to be sure — still solid.

One Year Later…

Fast forward one full year, and I’m happy to report that my $600 eBay aluminum radiator is still kicking like a mule. It doesn’t leak, doesn’t whine, and doesn’t crack like the OEM plastic garbage it replaced. It’s heavy, overbuilt, and beautiful in its simplicity. Just the way I like it.

Sometimes, the cheap-looking parts surprise you. And sometimes the only shop you need is a dirt patch, a little creativity, and a stubborn refusal to pay dealer prices.

---

A Few Tips If You’re Thinking About Doing the Same Job:

• Don’t trust JB Weld forever. It’s great for limping things along, but eventually, you’re gonna have to fix it right.

• Measure twice, cuss once. Make sure your new radiator actually matches the OEM specs before yanking out the old one.

• Rig if you must, but be smart. My engine hoist on big tires looked janky, but I tested it, balanced it, and had someone helping.

• Don’t skimp on coolant. If you’re going through all this work, run the good stuff and flush your system while you’re at it.

• Work smart, not rushed. It took a weekend, but I didn’t cut corners — and that’s why it’s still holding strong a year later.

If you’re running a Mack and thinking about swapping your radiator, don’t let a lack of a shop stop you. Just grab your tools, get a little dirty, and get it done. Ain’t nobody gonna fix it but you.