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Troubleshooting temp issue #1544141 12/05/13 09:09 PM 12/05/13 09:09 PM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA cal_gecko OP I Live Here
cal_gecko OP I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA	mild 360 in my '71 Dart with a 26" radiator (with shroud and flex fan) is running hot... takes about 20 minutes of driving but it gets up to about 235 degrees (even when it's 35 degrees out).. I tried a new radiator cap - same problem... What's the most effective way for me to troubleshoot to determine whether there's a blockage in the radiator or in the block - or if there's something else going on? If it's the radiator, I'm just gonna buy one of the Champion aluminum units sold here by a member for less than $200 delivered.. I just want to make sure that's the issue before I drop another $200

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544142 12/05/13 09:19 PM 12/05/13 09:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,224 JERSEY RJS master
RJS master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,224 JERSEY	When your car gets to 235 does it boil over? Buy the cap that was suggested to you about two weeks ago that tells you the temp. right on it to determine if it's a gauge issue. Or at the very least when it's 235 can you with it running slowly open the cap to see what's going on in there and/or use a meat type thermometer. Ron

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544143 12/05/13 09:23 PM 12/05/13 09:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 36,040 Lincoln Nebraska R RapidRobert Circle Track
RapidRobert Circle Track R Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 36,040 Lincoln Nebraska	I'm assuming the timing is in the ballpark & the mixture is also (no vac leak). Is that stoplight to stoplight driving? If you take it out on the highway what does the temp do? I'd maybe shoot it with an IR gun to confirm what the temp actually is & my first step would be to toss the stat for a day which wont hurt things. What's the history of the radiator? You mentioned the cap, is it loosing coolant? live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: RapidRobert] #1544144 12/05/13 10:21 PM 12/05/13 10:21 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,789 Hamilton, Ontario Canada Magnum master
Magnum master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,789 Hamilton, Ontario Canada	If you just want to make some random guess. I'd start with the radiator. They age and clog up with build up. Not often is there problems with the block. Does it get hot while idling or how about coasting down a hill in neutral, will it pull the temp down? 69 Super Bee, 93 Mustang LX, 04 Allure Super

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544145 12/05/13 10:35 PM 12/05/13 10:35 PM
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio Challenger 1 Too Many Posts
Challenger 1 Too Many Posts Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio	Quote: mild 360 in my '71 Dart with a 26" radiator (with shroud and flex fan) is running hot... takes about 20 minutes of driving but it gets up to about 235 degrees (even when it's 35 degrees out).. I tried a new radiator cap - same problem... What's the most effective way for me to troubleshoot to determine whether there's a blockage in the radiator or in the block - or if there's something else going on? If it's the radiator, I'm just gonna buy one of the Champion aluminum units sold here by a member for less than $200 delivered.. I just want to make sure that's the issue before I drop another $200 Please don't buy a new radiator yet. First get rid of the flex fan, it won't work and it won't last. IMO Run a real mopar fan, I use the "216" fan, but there is another MP fan sold that works way better than any flex fan. Please start there.

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: Challenger 1] #1544146 12/05/13 10:45 PM 12/05/13 10:45 PM
Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,161 CT GTX MATT master
GTX MATT master Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,161 CT	Check the initial and total timing and repor back! Is the vacu advance connected? Now I need to pin those needles, got to feel that heat Hear my motor screamin while I'm tearin up the street

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544147 12/05/13 11:00 PM 12/05/13 11:00 PM
Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 18,880 - R RSNOMO Moparts Torchbearer
RSNOMO Moparts Torchbearer R Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 18,880 -	'Hot while idling'??? First... What do you know about the condition of that block??? Coolant passages clear??? Have a rad shop check-out yer rad if in doubt... OEM rad works just fine, and is my first choice... Get rid of the flex-find a 7-blade A/C fan...

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: RSNOMO] #1544148 12/06/13 01:54 AM 12/06/13 01:54 AM
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,744 Star Idaho 6 67vertman master
67vertman master 6 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,744 Star Idaho	This issue of Hotrod has an article titled "We tackle every cooling system problem known to man" It is very informative! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Rod-January-2014-/181256665246?pt=Magazines&hash=item2a33bd389e

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: RJS] #1544149 12/06/13 02:42 AM 12/06/13 02:42 AM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA cal_gecko OP I Live Here
cal_gecko OP I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA	Quote: When your car gets to 235 does it boil over? Buy the cap that was suggested to you about two weeks ago that tells you the temp. right on it to determine if it's a gauge issue. Or at the very least when it's 235 can you with it running slowly open the cap to see what's going on in there and/or use a meat type thermometer. Ron I had that cap on it tonight... it also showed 230 7948829-radcap.jpg (50 downloads)

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: Challenger 1] #1544150 12/06/13 02:46 AM 12/06/13 02:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA cal_gecko OP I Live Here
cal_gecko OP I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA	sorry guys.. I misreported on the type of fan... it's an OEM fan .. and it's in the shroud, so it should be pulling plenty of air through. Timing is set and no vacuum leaks.. I resolved those issues last year when I was trying to get it running right

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544151 12/06/13 11:53 AM 12/06/13 11:53 AM
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio Challenger 1 Too Many Posts
Challenger 1 Too Many Posts Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio	Then it's lean, most old motors are today because of the ethanol gas. Jet it up, I bet you it will help. You sure the timing is correct?

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544152 12/06/13 05:00 PM 12/06/13 05:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,224 JERSEY RJS master
RJS master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,224 JERSEY	Quote: Quote: When your car gets to 235 does it boil over? Buy the cap that was suggested to you about two weeks ago that tells you the temp. right on it to determine if it's a gauge issue. Or at the very least when it's 235 can you with it running slowly open the cap to see what's going on in there and/or use a meat type thermometer. Ron I had that cap on it tonight... it also showed 230 OK good so we know it's a real # then. Does it get to that # just with time or time and cruising? What I'm getting at is it a stuck in traffic (low airflow) problem or cruising problem too? Top and bottom of radiator same temp? Pull thermostat to see what temp. it is and or replace with 180 or 160. Could belt be loose and slipping? Lastly is there a spring in lower hose? Ron Last edited by RJS; 12/06/13 05:01 PM.

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: RJS] #1544153 12/06/13 05:35 PM 12/06/13 05:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,931 P Paul_Fancsali master
Paul_Fancsali master P Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,931	Some suggestions Make sure you are running a 8 blade water pump and no more then 35-40% antifreeze. Get a Mopar rad if possible they are expensive but worth it. Be sure there is no exhaust restictions IE Mice nests etc from all the sitting Also the thermostat I pulled a broken one out of a car last week first one in decades If you are using aftermarket AFB design it is too lean, do yourself a favor and get a older Carter AVS or a Holley

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: Challenger 1] #1544154 12/06/13 07:23 PM 12/06/13 07:23 PM
Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,161 CT GTX MATT master
GTX MATT master Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,161 CT	Quote: You sure the timing is correct? Everyones timing is set the question is where is it set Last edited by GTX MATT; 12/06/13 07:25 PM. Now I need to pin those needles, got to feel that heat Hear my motor screamin while I'm tearin up the street

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544155 12/06/13 07:26 PM 12/06/13 07:26 PM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 768 Maryville tn 67coronetman super stock
67coronetman super stock Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 768 Maryville tn	I would use a clutch fan just saying it helped me i had a flex fan & it never did the job.. Old car are me......

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: 67coronetman] #1544156 12/06/13 07:32 PM 12/06/13 07:32 PM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,291 Kent, Wa 340SHORTY Truck Nut
340SHORTY Truck Nut Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,291 Kent, Wa	Check the thermostate.. Ive seen new 1s that were bad.. Yours may not be opening up all the way.. I am truckless..

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: 340SHORTY] #1544157 12/06/13 07:34 PM 12/06/13 07:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 768 Maryville tn 67coronetman super stock
67coronetman super stock Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 768 Maryville tn	Yes good point i agree.. good to check that too. Quote: Check the thermostate.. Ive seen new 1s that were bad.. Yours may not be opening up all the way.. Old car are me......

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: 67coronetman] #1544158 12/06/13 11:29 PM 12/06/13 11:29 PM
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 13,189 aZLiViN J J_BODY I Live Here
J_BODY I Live Here J Joined: May 2003 Posts: 13,189 aZLiViN	what temp t-stat? Got access to a thermal heat gun? How hot is the bottom tank compared the the top? Are the cores of the radiator hot all the way across? Does the temp go down if you turn the interior heat on high? (heater core is just a small radiator). When at 230 does the air the fan is pulling while the engine running feel hot? I feel that even if your timing was off, that at 35-45 degrees ambient there should be enough heat exchange for it to run normal "IF" the radiator is flowing. What's the condition of the coolant? Has it ever been brown/rusty? Not sure how it is up there, but finding a radiator shop is near to impossible anymore.

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544159 12/07/13 01:04 AM 12/07/13 01:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA cal_gecko OP I Live Here
cal_gecko OP I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA	OK... so I know that reading spark plugs can help see how the engine is running.. so I took a few photos of one of the plugs today.. this is after driving it home from work last night, and no running today. 7949878-IMG_5182.jpg (61 downloads)

Re: Troubleshooting temp issue [Re: cal_gecko] #1544160 12/07/13 01:04 AM 12/07/13 01:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA cal_gecko OP I Live Here
cal_gecko OP I Live Here Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 12,589 Sacramento, CA	2 7949879-IMG_5183.jpg (51 downloads)

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