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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: rhinosoft on May 26, 2015, 04:53:11 AM

Title: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: rhinosoft on May 26, 2015, 04:53:11 AM
Hi,

I've just about had it with my original radiator, was perfect until the block cracked and pressurized the radiator and expansion tank - leaks everywhere. The expansion tank is good now but the radiator I've had multiple leaks repaired and again this week, another spot has opened up.

I was thinking of a few solutions, what do you guys think:


That last thought would be that I run aluminium pipe in the correct size to a dedicated Derale type cooler behind the axle.

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback

Graeme
p.s Installed in 62' Thunderbird
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: Heo on May 26, 2015, 05:44:44 AM
Recore the stock radiator and use stock expansiontank.
Its there to be the highest point on the coolingsystem
radiator is lower than the engine on the -Bird
After all the stock system worked for 40 plus years
so why change it.Rebuild and it fine for 40 more years
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 26, 2015, 08:43:18 PM
If your willing to go outside of "it must be stock" then go custom Aluminum.
While I'm spending your money.
A couple of big electric puller fans and Jay's water pump setup don't ever worry about cooling again.
Do away with the engine fan, which I believe the fan causes engine vibration and sucks power.
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: fastback 427 on May 26, 2015, 11:47:21 PM
If your cheap like me, try the summit brand triple pass aluminum radiator. They are made by northern, and fully welded. Some fabrication will be needed, but very minor. Also every one seems to like the spal electric fans, but we get the 16" fan out of a late 80's Taurus at the local junkyard for 40 bucks. They have two speed motors and pull 6000 cfm on high.
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 27, 2015, 05:38:28 AM
I have a Northern "Summit House" in the Fairlane. I like it.
Good price, well made.
There was cutting to fit in the Lane.
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: garyv on May 27, 2015, 06:15:28 AM
Not trying to hijack this but
Howie and Fastback how about posting some pics of your radiator install and
any tips you may have.  Getting ready to put a Summit triple pass and Mark VIII fan
in my 66 Fairlane.  Rough measurements I have taken suggest its going to be a close fit.
Thanks
garyv
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: rhinosoft on May 27, 2015, 06:24:39 PM
No problems Gary, thanks for those that have replied.

Will decide what to do shortly and put up some images if different from stock.

Graeme
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 27, 2015, 08:06:49 PM
Well, since Graeme does not mind. ;)
My Northern has a funny out pipe at an angle.
You could cut it off and reweld it, but with my welding skills
best just make a pipe to fit.  :P
I have been rethinking the fan. It's ok, blows a huge pile of air but it does stick out a bit much.
On a cool day I have to put a piece of cardboard in front to get some heat in it.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1230_zpstyxqhjk7.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1230_zpstyxqhjk7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: Nightmist66 on May 27, 2015, 08:50:08 PM
Quote
I have been rethinking the fan. It's ok, blows a huge pile of air but it does stick out a bit much.
On a cool day I have to put a piece of cardboard in front to get some heat in it.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1230_zpstyxqhjk7.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1230_zpstyxqhjk7.jpg.html)


Howie, when you say you have trouble getting heat out of it, is your fan set to run all the time? Do you have something like this installed? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-890016/overview/
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 27, 2015, 09:16:31 PM
Just the opposite, if it is a really cool day I can not get the heat to stay in it. lol
It will run a bit on the cool side and I have to block some of the rad with a piece of
cardboard to get the temp to stay up around 190* on the highway.
I have it setup to run on a temp sensor or on all the time.
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: Nightmist66 on May 27, 2015, 09:23:35 PM
I see. I'm sure a lot of people would like to trade for your "cooling issues", LOL! ;D
Title: Re: Upgrading Radiator
Post by: rhinosoft on May 28, 2015, 06:49:19 AM
Sure is purdy'