67 FJ-40 SOA 350 Chevy and SM420 set up. Runs nice and cool on the trails. On the freeway it's getting real hot with these recent temps. I have a nice stock 4 core with a shroud. Fan blades are about 4inches from the radiator but still inside the shroud. Fluid is fresh and looks good. Any suggestions? Maybe move the fan closer to the radiator?

Troy

67 FJ-40 SOA 350 Chevy and SM420 set up. Runs nice and cool on the trails. On the freeway it's getting real hot with these recent temps. I have a nice stock 4 core with a shroud. Fan blades are about 4inches from the radiator but still inside the shroud. Fluid is fresh and looks good. Any suggestions? Maybe move the fan closer to the radiator?

Troy

I think your problem is the stock 4 core radiator. I don't think it has enough surface area. I'd recommend an aluminum radiator, but this will require some fab work. Are you using a stock fan and fan clutch?

I keep my bezel upside down for better air flow. Many will debate whether this works or not.

I keep my bezel upside down for better air flow. Many will debate whether this works or not. Now that's some funny shit!

Had the same setup and it didnt cool good at all. I put a radiator from a 455 olds and now cools fine. Also you would get a electric fan to help keep it cool.

what type of fan are you running?


i vote for a clutch fan. electric fans are just one more thing to go wrong....

Mine over heated until I put a 195 degree thermastat in it. The water may not be staying in the radiator long enough to cool down.

HTH,

Shouldn't it be "Troyinshingle" now?:D

Seriously, search Texican's thread "cooling a v-8" Graet stuff there.

I run a Taurus fan which works great but agree with orange that a mechanical fan is one less thing to fail.

I finally sprung for an aluminum radiator to cure the same problem you're having now.

I run the stock rad with a tauras fan infront of a 383. Get a new radiator.

I run a fan clutch. I'm afraid to run aluminum radiator with all the big rock trails here. Maybe I'll try and change the thermostat out and what do ya'll think about a high volume water pump???

and what do ya'll think about a high volume water pump???

I ran a cross flow single core aluminum radiator with an LT1 and never had one issue. Look at the fan and radiator. A high flow pump will possibly move the fluid faster than it can cool. Probably not your issue unless the vanes on the one you have now are rusted off and not moving fluid.

Ed

a high flow pump ain't the way to go. did you read butch's article like kent suggested?

I run a fan clutch. I'm afraid to run aluminum radiator with all the big rock trails here. Maybe I'll try and change the thermostat out and what do ya'll think about a high volume water pump???

I don't understand what you're saying here. What does an aluminum radiator have to do with big rocks? If properly mounted, it should not give you any problems. Plenty of guys using Al radiator on big rock trails.

I heard from a few friends they have seen aluminum radiators fracture on difficult trails as a result of flexing. I do also see the point behind installing an aluminum unit. Mounting I'm sure is the key to the function of an aluminum unit.

I will try the 195 thermostat first because I don't have any problems on the trails right now. I only get hot during long highway runs when it is real hot outside.

I am preparing to install a front ARB to match my rear. I am also going for the Longfield super axles and birfs. I just ordered a Jet Performance stage 1 750 cfm Q-jet too. I'll have to wait an see if I have any cha ching left over for a new radiator:confused: Thanks for the imput Troy Boy

if somebodies al rad is cracking under flex then it's ONLY because it's not mounted properly!
try the thermostat, then go al rad if you have to.

IMO the alum rad is like the elec. fan , one more thing to fail. Sure it conducts heat better but I just don't like the idea of alum in the harsher enviro.

FWIW I use a stock rad. , pop riveted shroud to fit the 350 , clutch fan ( 5 blade ) and it stays 195 maybe 210 if crawling in 100's all day.

FWIW I use a stock rad. , pop riveted shroud to fit the 350 , clutch fan ( 5 blade ) and it stays 195 maybe 210 if crawling in 100's all day.

His is fine under crawling conditions, it is the high rpm driving down the highway condition that is causing his problem. I have the same issue with mine. I think my t-stat is like 180 or something. I'm willing to bet the t-stat doesn't do the trick. Once the motor hits 200*+ and the t-stat is open, why does it matter which one you have. It's not going to close again unless you slow down and allow it to cool below its range. If your temo stays close to it than it would work, but I have a feeling your problem is like mine and it will easily go over 210*.

FWIW I use a stock rad. , pop riveted shroud to fit the 350 , clutch fan ( 5 blade ) and it stays 195 maybe 210 if crawling in 100's all day.


Crawling isn't his problem. How's yours work on the highway, Trailer Boy?

Butch's mantra is:
Over heating on trail, not enough fan.
Overheating on highway, not enough radiator.

High flow pump will not fix it.
You need to cool more water, not run it through the radiator faster.

"Jags that Run" has some good deals on radiators.

I also agree with Georg, about the taurus fan. I have one in my 55. I still worry about it failing constantly. Did it once. Blew a fuse and overheated the engine. If I ever get a chance to work on it again, I am putting a clutch fan in.