Post Radiator Upgrade - Big Gap
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
RobRace, there are no such things as stupid questions....unless I'm asking them... ;-) I'm using dual 12" pullers. I'm just not learning from this thread that when I removed the old rusted out radiator support, that the seals that fell apart are an important part. It makes sense now. I'm visualizing this, in a way, like replacing the a/c filter on my home's return. When the a/c is off there is no suction. When it's on, the a/c filter is sucked into the opening. Maybe that's the wrong analogy.
It does make sense that with the angle of the radiator, if I don't seal up that area, that more air will be pushed over the surface than will actually go through, which may be compounding my issue.
It does make sense that with the angle of the radiator, if I don't seal up that area, that more air will be pushed over the surface than will actually go through, which may be compounding my issue.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Imo,
I now wish I had kept the old shroud, even though it was basically shredded, if for no other reason that to use the bottom as a template to do the very fabrication you suggest. For me, I'll live with a little less form and a little more function. Thanks...
I now wish I had kept the old shroud, even though it was basically shredded, if for no other reason that to use the bottom as a template to do the very fabrication you suggest. For me, I'll live with a little less form and a little more function. Thanks...
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton Florida
On my way home the car temperature gauge climbed between 200 and 230 before I pulled over and turned her off.
...
My boss who is a car guy ('85 Mustang) tells me that without the shroud and the mechanical fan this will continue to be a problem.
...
I'm discouraged and don't what else to do. It's not drivable, at least not the way I want, if I don't find a solution.
HELP!
...
My boss who is a car guy ('85 Mustang) tells me that without the shroud and the mechanical fan this will continue to be a problem.
...
I'm discouraged and don't what else to do. It's not drivable, at least not the way I want, if I don't find a solution.
HELP!
I have a similar setup but with a brass radiator on a big block car. I bought and installed the fans (without a shroud) 25 years ago about the time I put the car up on blocks. I'm putting the car back on the road so I decided to buy a shroud. I found a place that fabricates custom aluminum shrouds for two 12-inch fans for $150 (plus shipping). It's supposed to arrive this Wednesday -- I can post some pictures if you're interested.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton Florida
http://www.coolcraft.com/
I'll post pictures on Wednesday or Thursday this week.
I don't know if I have a cooling problem because I've never driven the car with the dual electrics. I rebuilt the engine back in the early 80s and it was peppy enough to break the motor mount, which put the mechanical fan into the radiator, destroying the original shroud in the process. Had the radiator re-cored and instead of investing in a new fan and shroud I installed the electric fans.
Now I'm fixing my bubbas so I may eventually end up with a Dewitts radiator and fan/shroud setup. Before I do that I'd like to be sure I have a problem and not just a WIBNI (wouldn't it be nice if...). So far I have WIBNI steering, brakes and wheels, as well as parts of a rear suspension.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
I set the fan controller to come on at 150 degrees, it's lowest setting. I have it wired to the battery to power the fans and to the ignition to power the controller so it will turn the fans off when the key is off.
That part is working well, even though I think the fans are draining my battery faster than the alternator is charging it.
That's an issue for another post.....I suppose.
Thanks for the inquiry though. Having lots of extra eyes and interpretations is helpful to me, who is new to the C3 love affair.
That part is working well, even though I think the fans are draining my battery faster than the alternator is charging it.
That's an issue for another post.....I suppose.
Thanks for the inquiry though. Having lots of extra eyes and interpretations is helpful to me, who is new to the C3 love affair.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 18
From: Boca Raton Florida
The Cool Craft shroud arrived today. Looks like a pretty nice piece. I've seen cheaper shrouds but they're "universal" fit, meaning they don't actually fit anything. I did a quick check and this one fits the radiator core exactly. I won't have any gaps.
The shroud is rigid and appears to be formed from at least 18 gauge aluminum. No way I could fabricate this myself.
I had the shroud painted black (free) so it won't jump out at you. If I ever upgrade to an aluminum radiator, I might remove the paint and polish the shroud.
The shroud is rigid and appears to be formed from at least 18 gauge aluminum. No way I could fabricate this myself.
I had the shroud painted black (free) so it won't jump out at you. If I ever upgrade to an aluminum radiator, I might remove the paint and polish the shroud.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
I am running dual 12" fans, alum rad and fab'ed my own fan shroud out of thin gauge al - more of a thin box that fits on the back of the rad (similar to, but not as pretty as the cool craft shroud). Have not had cooling problems for a couple of years and 8,000 miles (even with AC running in summer in southern CA). DAMM now I just know I will start having cooling problems for having said that
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
I had a runaway temp promblem when first installing an electric fan. Air came out and when testing the fan and would cool the engine parked in my garage. It would overheat on the road over 50 mph.
Had the fan turning in the wrong direction, check or even test the fan direction.
One 16" worked for me untill my oringinal rad sprung a leak, looking to go aluminum.
Had the fan turning in the wrong direction, check or even test the fan direction.
One 16" worked for me untill my oringinal rad sprung a leak, looking to go aluminum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 20
From: Kingston Ontario
Not sure if this has been mentioned, seal between your core support and the rad and if you can, between the fans and the rad. You want any air in front of the rad to be forced through it. Here's my fans and Dewitt rad.
This is the stuff I used between the fan and the rad.
You can see the seal on the side on this pic
This is the stuff I used between the fan and the rad.
You can see the seal on the side on this pic
