Bulletproof cooling system
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==Bulletproof cooling system tips== | ==Bulletproof cooling system tips== | ||
| − | *Clogging and leaks are two of the most common radiator problems. Bugs, dirt, and debris can block airflow, and limit the radiator's heat-dissipating characteristics. Thus, it's recommended to "back flush" the radiator and cooling system when changing coolant. This helps to clean out deposits, and flushes the remaining coolant from the engine block. You can back flush the radiator by running water through it in the opposite direction of regular flow. Typically, after draining the radiator | + | *Clogging and leaks are two of the most common radiator problems. Bugs, dirt, and debris can block airflow, and limit the radiator's heat-dissipating characteristics. Thus, it's recommended to "back flush" the radiator and cooling system when changing coolant. This helps to clean out deposits, and flushes the remaining coolant from the engine block. You can back flush the radiator by running water through it in the opposite direction of regular flow. Typically, after draining the radiator a t-fitting can be installed in the heater inlet hose. This fitting gets connected to a pressurized water hose, and the system is reverse flushed. Do this until clean water emerges. |
*You should use a radiator at least as large as the one that was originally used to cool the engine (not the car) from the factory, and with the same or more radiator cores. However, it's important to note that additional rows of radiators don't add a proportional amount of cooling: a 3-row radiator does not offer 50% more cooling than a 2-row. This is because subsequent rows receive warm air from the rows in front of them. However, adding radiator frontal area IS proportional, but this usually causes fitment issues, so additional rows are generally the only viable choice. | *You should use a radiator at least as large as the one that was originally used to cool the engine (not the car) from the factory, and with the same or more radiator cores. However, it's important to note that additional rows of radiators don't add a proportional amount of cooling: a 3-row radiator does not offer 50% more cooling than a 2-row. This is because subsequent rows receive warm air from the rows in front of them. However, adding radiator frontal area IS proportional, but this usually causes fitment issues, so additional rows are generally the only viable choice. | ||
*Oftentimes, the cheapest and most bulletproof way is to use the largest radiator that will fit, along with the shroud that was designed for the radiator from the factory and the designated steel fan and viscous drive assembly for same. ''(confirm and expand)'' | *Oftentimes, the cheapest and most bulletproof way is to use the largest radiator that will fit, along with the shroud that was designed for the radiator from the factory and the designated steel fan and viscous drive assembly for same. ''(confirm and expand)'' | ||
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*Thermostatically controlled fan clutch. | *Thermostatically controlled fan clutch. | ||
*Water pump and crankshaft pulleys sized according to what was on the engine from the factory. On a street motor, shoot for 1.2 to 1.3 times crank speed for pump pulley speed. This is usually true until you get to 3.55 gears and numerically higher, then 1 to 1 works better. Most all 1960's muscle cars are 1 to 1. Pump speeds over 4200 sustained cause cavitation. Nascar is a good example with roughly 3.5" crank pulleys and 8" waterpump pulleys for their 9200 rpm engines''(confirm)'' | *Water pump and crankshaft pulleys sized according to what was on the engine from the factory. On a street motor, shoot for 1.2 to 1.3 times crank speed for pump pulley speed. This is usually true until you get to 3.55 gears and numerically higher, then 1 to 1 works better. Most all 1960's muscle cars are 1 to 1. Pump speeds over 4200 sustained cause cavitation. Nascar is a good example with roughly 3.5" crank pulleys and 8" waterpump pulleys for their 9200 rpm engines''(confirm)'' | ||
| − | *On a carburetor equipped engine, most of us use a 180 degree thermostat, although a little hotter thermostat (190-195) may make the motor more responsive and add a little fuel mileage. It may also help to burn off some of the by-products of operation, such as moisture and acids which form and get into the oil. Motors using EFI induction should be operated at the temperature specified by the factory for that particular motor to prevent false input to the computer and consequent problems. ''(confirm and expand)'' The sensor pill goes toward the motor. | + | *On a carburetor-equipped engine, most of us use a 180 degree thermostat, although a little hotter thermostat (190-195) may make the motor more responsive and add a little fuel mileage. It may also help to burn off some of the by-products of operation, such as moisture and acids which form and get into the oil. Motors using EFI induction should be operated at the temperature specified by the factory for that particular motor to prevent false input to the computer and consequent problems. ''(confirm and expand)'' The sensor pill goes toward the motor. |
*Use a spiral-wound spring in the bottom radiator hose, to prevent collapse of the hose. | *Use a spiral-wound spring in the bottom radiator hose, to prevent collapse of the hose. | ||
*Use the proper pressure cap for the radiator being used. | *Use the proper pressure cap for the radiator being used. | ||
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