big block cooling
08-30-2017, 05:46 PM
#1
Racer
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big block cooling
Probably a dumb question but when I refill the radiator for my L78, after rebuild, is there a certain formula for % water and % antifreeze to achieve the optimum cooling? Is there a preferred brand of antifreeze?
08-30-2017, 05:47 PM
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50/50
08-30-2017, 09:59 PM
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08-31-2017, 11:53 AM
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Don't recall the correct amount but a little over 3 gal. I buy the 50/50 pre-mix at the local FLAPS.
08-31-2017, 12:07 PM
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Buy 2 gallons of each coolant and distilled water. Dump one gallon of each in the radiator. Then use the empty coolant bottle and dump half of the new coolant in empty bottle then fill the rest with the water. Then you got two more gallons of pre mix coolant to top of the system
08-31-2017, 12:15 PM
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08-31-2017, 01:01 PM
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Cooling capacity on 396 is 22 gallons with heater.
You do the math.
You do the math.
08-31-2017, 01:06 PM
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08-31-2017, 01:55 PM
#11
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08-31-2017, 02:40 PM
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08-31-2017, 03:29 PM
#13
Racer
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So 11 quarts of coolant and the rest water?
This can't be this complicated. I just need to know how much coolant to add and fill the remainder of the system with water.
This can't be this complicated. I just need to know how much coolant to add and fill the remainder of the system with water.
08-31-2017, 03:32 PM
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11 quarts total.
08-31-2017, 03:39 PM
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When you get ready to start the engine, fill the surge tank to the cold fill level, start the engine and let it run with the cap off. You should note a little steam rising from the fill opening. Shortly, you'll see the tank magically empty itself and at that point, you add more coolant up to the Full mark. Let the engine continue to run and see of the coolant stabilizes at that level.
Some like to jack the front of the car up and fill through the thermostat opening. I've never seen where that kind of hocus pocus was necessary.
Last edited by MikeM; 08-31-2017 at 03:39 PM.
08-31-2017, 11:04 PM
#16
Racer
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50/50! Not rocket science. 22 quart system. If you feel like you're in over your head, just buy the pre-mix instead of the straight stuff. It's already mixed for you. That's probably not the optimum mix for cooling as water cools better than anti-freeze but that mix is what is generally considered best for cooling, freeze protection, corrosion protection and water pump lubrication.
When you get ready to start the engine, fill the surge tank to the cold fill level, start the engine and let it run with the cap off. You should note a little steam rising from the fill opening. Shortly, you'll see the tank magically empty itself and at that point, you add more coolant up to the Full mark. Let the engine continue to run and see of the coolant stabilizes at that level.
Some like to jack the front of the car up and fill through the thermostat opening. I've never seen where that kind of hocus pocus was necessary.
When you get ready to start the engine, fill the surge tank to the cold fill level, start the engine and let it run with the cap off. You should note a little steam rising from the fill opening. Shortly, you'll see the tank magically empty itself and at that point, you add more coolant up to the Full mark. Let the engine continue to run and see of the coolant stabilizes at that level.
Some like to jack the front of the car up and fill through the thermostat opening. I've never seen where that kind of hocus pocus was necessary.
