Engine Cooling

[scurley]

I have just finished getting my new 289 motor working in my 67 fastback. My radiator and fan shroud are only a year old and my temperature creeps up to about 210 to 215 when I am in stop and go traffic. When I am cruising, it stays at a constant 190.

Can anyone recommend an electric fan assembly that might help me out?

 

[Ozsum2]

That's not terribly bad. Are you venting coolant? I don't think electic fans are the answer. That's just my opinion. Is the engine stock or modded?

 

[allcarfan]

SPAL

However, you need to make sure that there is nothing wrong with your current system. Is your water pump good, thermo stat good?antifreee mixture at what it is suppose to be? Before spending the money on an electric fan, you may want to try some redline water wetter

 

[scurley]

The engine is just one step up from stock. It has an RV cam, roller rocker arms, and a double roller timing chain. The water pump is brand new stock, with a new 180 thermostat. The mixture is about 40% anti-freeze 60% water.

What do you mean by venting coolant? I have my overflow tank about half full, and it has yet to change level.

I read online that Shelby is using the SPAL 16 inch electric fan in his "restored" 67 Eleanors. Is this a fairly easy mod to install one of these fans? Can I/ should I re-use the shroud with one of these fans?

 

[crushnut]

Why wouldnt you want to try something like water wetter first

 

[69 302/351c]

An aluminum radiator and a Spal electric fan...can't overheat even if I try now!

 

[WORTH]

I tend to question your guage, if your running a 180 t'stat, and it runs at 190 while driving, either the t-stat is inop or the guage is off a bit.

I run a 192 t-stat, and if I check my temp at the top of the engine it runs around 195.

Either way, the temps you are running are fine, the only important thing is that you don't BOIL WATER, and with a 13-15 lb. cap you can run around 250 no problem.

 

[Ozsum2]

The engine is just one step up from stock. It has an RV cam, roller rocker arms, and a double roller timing chain. The water pump is brand new stock, with a new 180 thermostat. The mixture is about 40% anti-freeze 60% water.

What do you mean by venting coolant? I have my overflow tank about half full, and it has yet to change level.

I read online that Shelby is using the SPAL 16 inch electric fan in his "restored" 67 Eleanors. Is this a fairly easy mod to install one of these fans? Can I/ should I re-use the shroud with one of these fans?

I mean are you overflowing. But listen the Worth's advise. He is the man!!

 

[scurley]

Thanks for the advice guys. That was going to be my next question that Worth answered: at what temperature should I start worrying?

The reason I am concerned in the first place is that I live in sunny Tucson AZ. While it is finally starting to cool off now, I think my car will have some problems in the summer time.

As for the SPAL fans, they are installed using heavy duty tie wraps that loop through the front of the radiator yes? Is anyone using a SPAL still using their shroud, or does the fan do a good enough job by itself.

 

[allcarfan]

As for the SPAL fans, they are installed using heavy duty tie wraps that loop through the front of the radiator yes? Is anyone using a SPAL still using their shroud, or does the fan do a good enough job by itself.

NO NO NO NO. SPAL fans explicitly say DO NOT mount them with tie straps through the radiator. They mound with a very simple bracket kit. I dont think that a shroud is required with a SPAL fan.

 

[allcarfan]

As for the SPAL fans, they are installed using heavy duty tie wraps that loop through the front of the radiator yes? Is anyone using a SPAL still using their shroud, or does the fan do a good enough job by itself.

NO NO NO NO. SPAL fans explicitly say DO NOT mount them with tie straps through the radiator. They mound with a very simple bracket kit. I dont think that a shroud is required with a SPAL fan.

 

[19mustang65]

i use a Be-Cool aluminum radiator with a mechanical flexfan and a 185 thermostat. i had a SPAL electric and i still over heated. i tried water wetter, different temp thermostats and i still over heated untill i ripped the spal out and put in a mechanical. sure i lose a lil bit of power but when i can sit in 100 degree weather in the middle of traffic ive never gone over 205. and that with a pretty hot 302.

 

[allcarfan]

i use a Be-Cool aluminum radiator with a mechanical flexfan and a 185 thermostat. i had a SPAL electric and i still over heated. i tried water wetter, different temp thermostats and i still over heated untill i ripped the spal out and put in a mechanical. sure i lose a lil bit of power but when i can sit in 100 degree weather in the middle of traffic ive never gone over 205. and that with a pretty hot 302.

I think there is something else wrong with your system....at least, that is what it sounds like.

 

[2nd Mustang]

The reason I am concerned in the first place is that I live in sunny Tucson AZ. While it is finally starting to cool off now, I think my car will have some problems in the summer time.

Your numbers sound about right. I have a mildly warmed over 302 with a 160 degree thermostat. Here in sunny So Cal, mine never gets over 190 even in the summer time at around 100+ degrees outside. Street cruising will cause my engine to warm up to 175-180 and around 190 on the freeway.