Cooling problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Tallinn Estonia
Cooling problem
After installing Weiand 142 blower on my 350cid 78 Vette found that I can no longer use the mechanical fan as it is not clearing the blower belt even with a spacer. Installed a Perma-Cool 16" 2950cfm electric fan as a puller. It is connected to work always when the ignition is turned on. The fan shroud is still there. The radiator was flushed, but it is still not absolutely clean. Seems that previous owner has used stop leak to seal a leakage.
Car runs too hot, it is going to boil after 15 minute city drive. What would be a cure? Is it a good idea to install one more electric fan on the other side of the radiator as a pusher? New water pump? Or should I definitely start from replacing the radiator?
Thanks!
Car runs too hot, it is going to boil after 15 minute city drive. What would be a cure? Is it a good idea to install one more electric fan on the other side of the radiator as a pusher? New water pump? Or should I definitely start from replacing the radiator?
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Ocean City MD
I also just went through this after my weiand 142 blower install. I was able to use the factory shroud. I used a 3" spacer and cut 1/2" off the fan blades and it worked for a week but was too unbalanced. It took my water pump gaskets out. I tried one 14" and one 12" electric fan with no shround on a new heavy duty 3 core radiator and it worked ok. It would still get hotter than I liked. So I went with the Summit universial Aluminum radiator, Lincoln Mark VIII fan, a high flow water pump, and a 160 high flow thermostat. Now it cools like a champ. Also be aware that the factory gauge can lie. Mine with a new sender was off. I confirmed this with a mechanical gauge and a IR gun. With the blower it is harder to get the vette to cool. Even without the blower it can be tough. Also check your timing I am running 36 total advance and still have the vacuum advance hooked up. I did go with the MSD whcih made a difference. I am also running a wide band air/fuel gauge and have set up the carb to run 12.5-13.2 through the whole RPM range. I have no pinging and it runs great. Here are some pics:
Last edited by windsoreight; Aug 6, 2006 at 02:52 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Ocean City MD
As far as a fan controller I am using the cheaper flexlite fan controller with the temp probe and temp control. I am using a relay to carry the load and I have the fan turning on about 185. It is not the cleanest looking set-up but works well for now. I plan on going with the Spal contoller. As far as fan being on while the car is running, sometime it will. Going down the highway it is fine. It stays cool enough. I have the fan controller on an acc. circuit so it is off with the key. With the old set-up it would go 220 max in long stop and go traffic. I no longer have that problem.
