Fan shroud affect overheating?
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
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From: Cleburne Texas
Fan shroud affect overheating?
I didn't put my fan shroud back in when I did my engine swap purely for looks, but am now having problems with overheating. It takes about one minute for it to be hugging the red... I am running straight antifreeze because a guy at the radiator shop suggested it to prolong the life of my radiator. Could that also be contributing to the problem?
Thanks,
Karl
Thanks,
Karl
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (ill_driver)
Put the shroud back on and run a 50 50 mix of anti freeze and water. Water is a much better cooler than antifreeze. The shroud lets the fan pull the air through the radiator at low speed. If you were to run the car at 35 mph or above all the time a shroud is not needed. The only Vette to not have a shroud was the L88. It was done to discourage road use and allow more air at racing speeds.
[Modified by Gordonm, 9:55 PM 10/21/2003]
[Modified by Gordonm, 9:55 PM 10/21/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (ill_driver)
I agree, decrease the % of coolant. If fact, I'd start with that and see what happens. Depending on how "cold" it gets in Texas, you could probably run less than 50% coolant. Regular cooling system maintenance should prolong the radiator life just fine.
If you like the look without the shroud, what about the look without the stock fan? What do you think of electric fans?
Of course, you have checked all of the typical stuff, radiator hose condition, engine timing, etc., right?
If you like the look without the shroud, what about the look without the stock fan? What do you think of electric fans?
Of course, you have checked all of the typical stuff, radiator hose condition, engine timing, etc., right?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (Gordonm)
Listen to the advice of GordonM. Without the shroud on a vette radiator mounted at the incline angle you just don't pull the air needed to cool.
When you put your shroud back on make sure you have the foam seals all around it and on the top between the radiator and the top of the shroud. Otherwise you are pulling heated air back into the radiator.
Tell the "expert" at the radiator shop to get lost. No manufacturer ever says to run 100% antifreeze. In fact, once you go over the 1/2 way point it starts to reduce the cooling effect. WATER cools best.
You said you have no time and it goes to the red. Are you sure you have a 180 thermostat that works in the engine? Did the radiator shop put the orgional radiator back? Better check.
Is the fan clutch working. Do some searches on overheating and there is a wealth of info out there.
Good luck and don't cook that engine.
When you put your shroud back on make sure you have the foam seals all around it and on the top between the radiator and the top of the shroud. Otherwise you are pulling heated air back into the radiator.
Tell the "expert" at the radiator shop to get lost. No manufacturer ever says to run 100% antifreeze. In fact, once you go over the 1/2 way point it starts to reduce the cooling effect. WATER cools best.
You said you have no time and it goes to the red. Are you sure you have a 180 thermostat that works in the engine? Did the radiator shop put the orgional radiator back? Better check.
Is the fan clutch working. Do some searches on overheating and there is a wealth of info out there.
Good luck and don't cook that engine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (ill_driver)
Overheating is the easiest way to crack a head. Or at least blow a head gasket and that would ruin your day Karl. :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (cardo0)
I havent tryed this product, but I have heard good things. Its called water wetter and you use it instead of antifreeze. It supposedly lowers your temp by 10-15 degrees or so.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (ill_driver)
Stock fan without the shroud is a sure way to overheat - congrats you were successful......
BTW you MUST re-install the seal between the top of radiator support area and on the sides to force any stray air thru the radiator as well.
Guess those GM engineers sort-of knew what they were doing - eh?
[Modified by KenSny, 8:48 AM 10/22/2003]
BTW you MUST re-install the seal between the top of radiator support area and on the sides to force any stray air thru the radiator as well.
Guess those GM engineers sort-of knew what they were doing - eh?
[Modified by KenSny, 8:48 AM 10/22/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: Fan shroud affect overheating? (RCDriveryo)
Water Wetter is an additive not in place of anti freeze. 1-2 bottles with a full fill is the recommendation. Really in TX if you do not go below freezing, I would recommend a mix of 90% distilled water, 10% antifreeze for lube of the pump and 2 bottles of water wetter and a 180 degree t-stat. If the system is clean, fan clutch ok and the tune of the engine ok, you should hang about 180-190 degrees. Summer is a different story with your temps. In the long run you might want to start thinking in the direction of an aluminum radiator and dual electric fans. Search the posts on this topic.
