here in fla we been getting a little bit warm and today i drove to work my temp gauge was up to 225 degrees i know that isnt great so what can i do to help it [stock 318 and radiator] is a two row radiator that i have flushed and use plenty of coolant any ideas[/QUOTE
How hot is hot? It depends on your coolin system. I think the formula is for every 1 PSI the system is under, you raise the boilin point 3 degrees....if i remember right. If that's right, then you have a 260 degree boilin point on a 16 LB system, PLUS whatever mixture of coolant you run. Coolant has a higher boiling point to begin with. Remember also, most modern factory electric cooling fans cut on at 230 degrees and that's not a high performance cooling system. Robert Shaw and other companies make radiator caps that go above 20 PSI, so you can really extend that boiling point. You can get it up above 300 degrees, but then you have to start worryin about oil temp. Things you can do. First, does it have A/C? If so, chunk that 2 row core junk and stab in an aluminum 2 row or a stock replacement 3 row. If no A/C then you can have the radiator flow checked. If it cools off going down the road and heats up at idle, the radiator is restricted. Also make sure your clutch fan (if so equipped) is in good shape. If it seems like it lacks resistance, chunk it and go for the Mopar Performance viscous fan package. You have a fan shroud, right? If not, get one. Also, the rubber seal between the hood and radiator support should be there and in good condition. Its purpose is to keep air flowing through the grill into the radiator, instead of over the radiator. If everything is correct and in good condition, there's no reason to add crazy stuff like electric fans and such. Lastly, don't go stickin a 160 degree thermostat in it. that aint gonna help anything unless the old thermostat was bad. I see people doin that crap all the time tryin to solve the problem and it never works. As long as the thermostat opens like it should,it can be a 250 degree and have no effect.
