Hi there,
My 69 coronet 440 R/t with a sixpack is running a little hot.

After 15 minutes of normal driving the factory gauge reads around 2/3 but the Autometer reads 210. (See pictures) So I bought an Infrared Gun Thermometer and did some meauserements at that point:

- Waterpump 210
- Top radiator hose 195
- Top radiator 180
- Radiator 2/3 height 170
- Radiator underside driver side near lower hose 160
- Radiator underside passenger side 135

Add 10 on every measurement after WOT

My question is what you think of these numbers??
I would appreciate your comments!

Things planned:
- Check water pump
- Replace lower hose (doesn't seem to collapse but it has no spring inside)
- Replace 190 thermostat for a 180
- Any other ideas??

Thanks
Jake





And pics of the engine and car

 

The waterpump is a new hv model
Also the thermostat was already a 180, so Í will try a 160 now

 

wont help, you need a fan shroud

 

Jake -

Does it ever go above 210? (The IR readings are within spec.)
Does it come down with highway driving?
Is it the stock radiator?

If the answer to the last question was yes, and:
The engine is tuned correctly (timing and A/F mix)
You know the water passages are clear.
You have an adequate fan (I don't think you do and get a shroud)

Then you might need to look at an aftermarket radiator.

The Griffins are top of the line, but pricy.

You might also try one of the "wet water" coolant additives.

Archer

 

Archer,

See my first message; add 10 degrees for every number after wide open throttle;

So yes it rises to 215 maybe even 220...

It doesn't come down when driving on the highway.
And it looks like the Original 22 inch radiator and has been cleaned.

Next we will check the fan.
Question:
Does anybody have a picture of a correct fan for my car?

 

which water pump do you have? in the old days the B-RBs had 2 water pumps. one 6 vane for A/C, one 8 vane non-A/C. sound strange? the A/C engine had a totaly different belt system, ie it spins the A/C pump faster to get more air. and you can get more water by putting a plate on the vanes. works on small blocks and big bolcks.

 

Thanks for the reactions,

But the problem seems to be solved by changing the thermostat to a 160 AND by changing the fan !

Doesn't seem to rise above 180 at this moment.

 

my experience with a 1965 300 L. that would over heat, cause the system needed cleaned. if i could keep the temp down it was ok. BUT if it over heated it stayed hot ALL the rest of the day.

 

Temp now 170, is that too low??