Pippen
Member
I have a 71 with a 383 and small block rad. The thing won't stay cool. what's everyone using for a rad.
How hot is it getting?It’s a 68 HP pretty much stock with headers. I have a flex fan on it and two electric fans on the front blowing in. 185 T-stat. I’m thinking of just a champion rad. Worried it may not be enough.
And they will overheat and puke because of a bad cap.Why the combo of aftermarket stuff? Stock engine = stock set-up. Shroud with a 7 blade, that's where I'd start. Just my .02.
(On a side note, I've seen the bottom hose get sucked flat if there is no spring in it)
I cannot agree more strongly. That's not the case with all electric fans, but is with most of them people buy. If you don't spend around 250 bucks at the least, chances are you're not getting a good one. There are exceptions like some of the Ford fans some of the boys are using and they can be had pretty cheap in the salvage yards and those things will MOVE some air. They do require a little fab work of course to make work. But I'm like you. I'm a big fan of solid or clutch type fans driven off the engine.The electric fans aren't the answer, they're just blocking air flow to the real fan. Find a -224 x 7 blade chysler fan and throw that speed shop flex fan in the trash where it belongs.
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Most of the "Overheating" issue threads here are engines not getting hot to puke coolant out. If it isn't barfing, it isn't overheating and the system is doing it's job. Don't pay too close attention to the factory gauges. With no numbers on them how can you tell?
I’ll need to check the timing as I just set it be ear.Lean mixture & retarded ign timing will BOTH cause high running temps.
I cannot agree more strongly. That's not the case with all electric fans, but is with most of them people buy. If you don't spend around 250 bucks at the least, chances are you're not getting a good one. There are exceptions like some of the Ford fans some of the boys are using and they can be had pretty cheap in the salvage yards and those things will MOVE some air. They do require a little fab work of course to make work. But I'm like you. I'm a big fan of solid or clutch type fans driven off the engine.
yesDo you have a fan shroud?
did you have to make any mods to get the 26'' rad in?I have a Champion 26" radiator, Ford Contour fans with a Dakota Digital controller on my 414 small block Duster. One comes on with the key, the other comes on at a set temperature. Can't remember what temp though. Stays below 200. Bought the fans thru Rock Auto.
I like the idea of coming on with the key and other at a set temp, i have them set at two different temps, one temp for thermostat and the other is at 200 i believe... but when i hammer mine it creeps a little, 210-215 range, wondering if your option is a a better idea......I have a Champion 26" radiator, Ford Contour fans with a Dakota Digital controller on my 414 small block Duster. One comes on with the key, the other comes on at a set temperature. Can't remember what temp though. Stays below 200. Bought the fans thru Rock Auto.
I had them both at a set temp at first but the temp would creep up to 210-220. Even on the highway! Would stay cool in traffic though. It's all good now.I like the idea of coming on with the key and other at a set temp, i have them set at two different temps, one temp for thermostat and the other is at 200 i believe... but when i hammer mine it creeps a little, 210-215 range, wondering if your option is a a better idea......