I need to increase the cooling capacity for Jean Clyde Damn Van (92 Safari 350 sbc). Runs very hot. I'm guessing the v6 radiator isn't up to the task of the v8. Would a G-van or pickup rad work? Would like to do this as cheaply as possible. BTW, I drove the van today for the first time in months since installing the carb. Shifts hard and at higher rpm. Need to recheck the TV cable.
Yep recheck the tv. And make sure your geometry is correct.
Look at ebay champion all aluminium 3 core radiators. Ive had great luck with them.
May not be relevant, but I had an unexpected outcome when I put a Tru- cool 40k transmission cooler on my C2500. Pulled the engine temp down a lot. Almost too much in my case.
The big question is: when does it run too hot? At idle or under load? And if it's when under load, is it only at high speeds or at any speed?
Sitting idling will go into yellow on guage (sorry, no exact numbers). Has clutch style fan. Never had car without electric fans. Was thinking of converting to electric as well.
If it's only getting warm at idle but cools fine when moving, your issue is not enough fan, rather than not enough radiator.
I'd make sure the clutch is working properly and that the fan is shrouded well. Or throw in an electric fan and see what happens.
Throw in an electric fan anyway, they're more efficient and are much less capable of chewing up your radiator than an engine-driven fan.
Does the temperature keep climbing or does is stop once it's in the yellow? If it stops I'd start by putting a real gauge on it (at least temporarily) and seeing if you've really got a problem.
rslifkin wrote:
If it's only getting warm at idle but cools fine when moving, your issue is not enough fan, rather than not enough radiator.
I'd make sure the clutch is working properly and that the fan is shrouded well. Or throw in an electric fan and see what happens.
Could also be a tune problem, insufficient timing advance at idle (or anywhere really) will make it run hot.
BrokenYugo wrote:
Could also be a tune problem, insufficient timing advance at idle (or anywhere really) will make it run hot.
Good point. If it's a carb setup, make sure the vacuum advance is hooked up to manifold vacuum, not ported. That'll help ensure it's got enough timing at idle.
I have vacuum advance to driver side port indicated as manifold vacuum.
Temp rises to yellow and stays at the red end. Only comes down moderately but remains in yellow while moving.
Agreed about the real guage. Will do so.