About Ron Cris Expertise I welcome all questions about basic automotive repair..Brakes..Front End and Engine rebuilding..I am especially trained in rebuilding Chevrolet v8 Engines.
Experience I have 25 yrs experience a a journeyman mechanic
Question I have tried EVERYTHING to prevent my 454 big block from overheating at any rpm idle or highway speeds including changing out the engine. I am using a horizontal flow aluminum radiator by Griffin, with 16" high performance electric puller fan and a small 7" electric fan at the bottom exit corner of radiator. Radiator is built for 750 HP. I am running a engine oil cooler with 7" fan and a automatic transmission fluid cooler with 7" fan. I have a Weinan (sp) alum water pump with 6" pulley. I have drilled rear of intake and run 1/4" lines to the thermostat housing to make sure no air is trapped in cooling system. I have tried a disc with 5/8" and 1/2" hole to replace thermostat. I have used a block with 3 water holes in each deck and 1 block with 1 hole in each deck. Engine is 475 HP approx - tunnel ram intake with 2 600 CFM carbs. Hydraulic flat tappet, corvette type cam shaft. 10:1 compression ratio with open chamber heads (cast iron) Excel distributor at 10 degrees and 33 degrees full advance. 8 quart oil pan. 180 degree thermostat. Engine will heat up at any rpm in the summer. I shut it down at 225 degrees to keep from ruining engine. Will heat up at idle speed in the winter. This engine is in a 56 Chevy pickup. Truck is not raced or run hard. I drive (or want to drive) it everyday and to car shows. I am running out of ideas. Can you help?? Bob
Answer i would try retarding the timing 2-3 desgrees to 7-or 8 at idle build air flow panels one each side top and bottom as needed in front of the radiator to direct more air throught the radiator.
you might also concider a regular metal 5 blade fan and schroud instead of the electric fans..
also check to see if your carb is running too lean.
that would make a difference also.
good luck..
RC
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