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CSF 3278 Radiator
| Brand | CSF 3278 |
|---|---|
| Box Height (in) | 8 |
| Box Length (in) | 32 |
| Box Weight (lbs) | 20 |
| Box Width (in) | 28 |
| Cap Included | No |
| Core Length | 20 11/16 |
| Core Material | Aluminum |
| Core Thickness | 2 1/16 |
| Core Width | 23 11/16 |
| Csf Cap Number | 4503 |
| Down Flow Or Cross Flow Type | Cross Flow |
| Hazardous Material | No |
| Inlet Diameter | 1 1/2 Left |
| Inlet Length (in) | 23 5/8 |
| Inlet Width (in) | 2 3/4 |
| Oil Cooler (in) | 12 (high-efficiency Plate Type) |
| Outlet Diameter | 1 1/2 Right |
| Outlet Length (in) | 23 5/8 |
| Outlet Width (in) | 2 3/4 |
| Radiator Core Row Quantity | 2 |
| Tank Material | Plastic |
| Tech Note | O.E.M. style Plastic tanks & Aluminum core. |
| Product line | 2 Row Plastic Tank Aluminum Core |
| Fits | Ford and Mercury · 5 vehicles |
OE-style construction. Plastic tanks and an aluminum core match the original design.
Cross-flow design. Promotes efficient coolant movement through the radiator.
Wind tunnel tested. Validated for cooling performance in laboratory testing.
Cross-references APDI 8012174, OSC 2018 and Spectra Premium CU2174 for the same application. See all 10.
OE-Style Radiator for Explorer and Mountaineer
The CSF 3278 is a cross flow radiator built with an aluminum core and plastic tanks in an OE-style layout. It is engineered for 1997-1999 Ford Explorer and 1998-1999 Mercury Mountaineer applications, with left-side inlet and right-side outlet placement for direct replacement planning.
CSF designs and manufactures radiators to high-performance standards, with wind tunnel validation used to confirm cooling performance. The brand’s broad radiator catalog and long production history support a fitment-focused replacement part for common truck and SUV cooling service.
Key Features
- Part number: CSF 3278
- 2-row radiator construction
- Aluminum core with plastic tanks
- Cross flow design
- Core thickness: 2 1/16 in.
- Core dimensions: 23 11/16 in. wide x 20 11/16 in. long
- Inlet diameter: 1 1/2 in., left side
- Outlet diameter: 1 1/2 in., right side
- O.E.M.-style plastic tank and aluminum core layout
- Oil cooler: 12 in. high-efficiency plate type
Detailed Description
CSF 3278 is a replacement radiator for Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer cooling system service where an OE-style plastic tank and aluminum core design is required. The cross flow configuration, 2-row core, and matched inlet/outlet placement help maintain factory-style routing for the 1997-1999 Ford Explorer and 1998-1999 Mercury Mountaineer. This part cross-references Spectra Premium CU2174 for the same application.
Built by CSF, a radiator manufacturer with ISO/TSO-certified factories and a large global catalog, this radiator reflects the brand’s focus on application-specific cooling components. The CSF 3278 is a practical choice when replacing a worn or leaking radiator on a Ford Explorer radiator replacement or Mercury Mountaineer radiator replacement job.
Common Problems This Radiator Can Address
- Coolant leaks from aged plastic tanks or core seams
- Restricted cooling performance from a clogged or damaged radiator core
- Overheating caused by internal corrosion or flow loss
- Cracked inlet or outlet connections on the original radiator
- Cooling system service needs on high-mileage Explorer and Mountaineer models
Installation Notes and Tips
Verify radiator dimensions, inlet and outlet orientation, and transmission or oil cooler routing before installation. This radiator uses a mini 16 psi cap style noted in fitment data, and the cap is not included. Inspect hoses, clamps, and surrounding cooling components during replacement to help prevent repeat service.
Fits 1997-1999 Ford Explorer, N/A. Fits 1998-1999 Mercury Mountaineer, N/A.
Quality Assurance
CSF states that its radiators are engineered and tested for cooling performance validation, with manufacturing supported by ISO/TSO-certified facilities. The CSF 3278 is built to OE-style standards for direct-fit radiator replacement in supported Ford and Mercury applications.
| Year | Make | Model | Transmission | Liters | Cylinders | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Ford | Explorer | Automatic | 4.0L | V6 | N/A | OE style design with Mini 16 psi cap.; 2 Row Plastic Tank Aluminum Core |
| 1999 | Mercury | Mountaineer | — | 4.0L | V6 | N/A | OE style design with Mini 16 psi cap.; 2 Row Plastic Tank Aluminum Core |
| 1998 | Ford | Explorer | Automatic | 4.0L | V6 | N/A | OE style design with Mini 16 psi cap.; 2 Row Plastic Tank Aluminum Core |
| 1998 | Mercury | Mountaineer | — | 4.0L | V6 | N/A | OE style design with Mini 16 psi cap.; 2 Row Plastic Tank Aluminum Core |
| 1997 | Ford | Explorer | Automatic | 4.0L | V6 | N/A | OE style design with Mini 16 psi cap.; 2 Row Plastic Tank Aluminum Core |
| No rows match your filter. | |||||||