Hey everyone, this is a follow up thread from about a year or more back about my 76 duster overheating at idle. I’ve been busy so haven’t gotten around to my duster until recently. I finally got a temp gun and used it today to check out different spots on the engine bay while the engine was running/ shut off.
I have a picture of my engine bay setup right now and I know I need a fan shroud minimum. I’m prepared to redo the cooling system with a radiator and shroud from Mancini but I haven’t called them yet to order anything because I want to make sure I can get a radiator that will fit/ reccomendations from you guys.
Car was original /6 w ac. Currently has a 22” 3 row aluminum radiator (I don’t remember the brand). I’ve been told a 26” is the way to go but my core support opening is 22". I had bought a rock auto 26" 2 row open style radiator years ago and i remember it not fitting with the mounting locations. It was also probably junky anyways. I’d prefer an oem look for my car or period correct so I’d prefer to not put in electric fans or another aluminum radiator and shroud if possible. I know im asking a lot but that’s what I’m going for thanks.
I also just installed a new fan clutch from summit, on my Oem 7 blade fan and that has definitely helped slow the overheating issue but it is still present.
180° or 190° thermostat. I don’t remember exactly but was also planning on getting a 180° high flow. Timing might need to get backed off but I haven’t put the gun to it since I built the car and am planning on getting the engine tuned once I know the cooling system works as it should.
Temp numbers after driving around this morning then idling at my house for about 10 minutes until the temp gauge was creeping up
Upper hose: 170.9°
Lower hose: 171.1°
Thermostat housing: 207.6°
A minute or two after shutoff
Upper hose:186.9°
Lower hose: 182.4°
Thermostat housing: 221.7°
Center of intake: 241.3°
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