So my system just doesn't seem to be rejecting enough heat. The ambient is around 110*F (greater Pheonix Metro), and my watertemps sit around 230-238* (checked via autometer gauge, plumbed in waterneck, stock gauge reads right edge of L).
Fans set to 184/180 low, 200/196 high (on/off-hysteresis).
Summit Aluminum Radiator
stock fan reshrouded to fit
stock waterpump
decent hoses
66%water, 33% coolant (so far the best out of the various blends)
I know the fans are engaging, if you open the hood while the fan is on high, you'll instantly regret the decision to lean in and over. Its rejecting heat, but it is incredibly hot under there.
Also, two other issues that are related: 1st is the A/C will no longer blow cold air sitting at a stopsign (is that an eec controlled deal to save the car's butt?), once moving its very cold. Refridgerant charge checks out as good, and its not over-filled
2nd more sinister issue is once the car is so hot, its hard to start the car if I turn it off in that temp range. Today I was stranded for 30 min out in this heat, as when I went to engage the starter, the whole car just seem to shut down/felt like a fuse had blown, but everything checked out. I checked the battery voltage, 12.6V, checked it at the alternator charge point, grounded to multiple points, and the system reads ok. I can't check it under a load, but once I took the posts off and put them back on, the car started.
Before when it was hot, it would just start slow, and I thought it was from a baked starter, but now I think its something more sinister.
If its motor related (I've heard certain fel-pro gasket sets might not have the proper water passages, and I don't know if this is a stock waterpump, seems to flow), I really will likely just bench the car and drive my other vehicle, as spending money on the 302 when I have a 351W block in the garage isn't something I want to do.
However, if its the summit radiator causing issues (it is narrower than stock width), I think might try a mishimoto drop in 2 core aluminum one and a new stock fan/shroud. I might go as far as a new waterpump, but I don't have interest in investigating the headgasket coolant passages. If I do pull it down that far, I'm just going to part that motor out.
Fans set to 184/180 low, 200/196 high (on/off-hysteresis).
Summit Aluminum Radiator
stock fan reshrouded to fit
stock waterpump
decent hoses
66%water, 33% coolant (so far the best out of the various blends)
I know the fans are engaging, if you open the hood while the fan is on high, you'll instantly regret the decision to lean in and over. Its rejecting heat, but it is incredibly hot under there.
Also, two other issues that are related: 1st is the A/C will no longer blow cold air sitting at a stopsign (is that an eec controlled deal to save the car's butt?), once moving its very cold. Refridgerant charge checks out as good, and its not over-filled
2nd more sinister issue is once the car is so hot, its hard to start the car if I turn it off in that temp range. Today I was stranded for 30 min out in this heat, as when I went to engage the starter, the whole car just seem to shut down/felt like a fuse had blown, but everything checked out. I checked the battery voltage, 12.6V, checked it at the alternator charge point, grounded to multiple points, and the system reads ok. I can't check it under a load, but once I took the posts off and put them back on, the car started.
Before when it was hot, it would just start slow, and I thought it was from a baked starter, but now I think its something more sinister.
If its motor related (I've heard certain fel-pro gasket sets might not have the proper water passages, and I don't know if this is a stock waterpump, seems to flow), I really will likely just bench the car and drive my other vehicle, as spending money on the 302 when I have a 351W block in the garage isn't something I want to do.
However, if its the summit radiator causing issues (it is narrower than stock width), I think might try a mishimoto drop in 2 core aluminum one and a new stock fan/shroud. I might go as far as a new waterpump, but I don't have interest in investigating the headgasket coolant passages. If I do pull it down that far, I'm just going to part that motor out.
