454 Cooling
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 6
From: NY
I agree. My BB began to run high. I pulled the lower hose and a bunch of water came out . I pulled the upper hose to replace the thermo and check the upper hose. I had standing water in the upper radiator throat. R&R'd the rad to a radiator shop. Many plugged core tubes; had the core replaced. The 454 runs 190 degrees on the hottest days. It will go to 200 when stressed but return to 190 when idling. [stock Winston radiator]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
What you are describing is exactly what I experienced with mine. I had a leak, had it fixed, flushed, cleaned and it still ran hot. I did everything before going the Dewitts route, timing, thermostat, fan clutch, seals, carb jetting, you name it. Unless you are having the car judged, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the radiators.
After installation I put the original radiator back in the Dewitts box and stored it away so that if, or when, I ever sell the car, the original radiator goes along with it.
Tom
After installation I put the original radiator back in the Dewitts box and stored it away so that if, or when, I ever sell the car, the original radiator goes along with it.
Tom
Exactly the same story with me. I had Dewitts paint the aluminum radiator black and I assembled the entire package, support and shroud, on the bench with new Dr. Rebuild seals. The new caretaker will receive the old radiator in the Dewitts box. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy driving a cool big block in the Florida heat for many years to come!
