Radiator cooling

[Frank K.]

What should the temperature gauge read on a 77 L-82 after a brief run. I can not get below 220. What can I do to lower it? Stock car .

[Edward J.]

Re: Radiator cooling

Frank, not much info on just how long the run is, a/c on? outside temp. excessively hot? traffic? 220 temp is not really so hot to worry as long as it does not climb, but when moving on highway temp should stay within the thermostat range. there are many things to take into consideration, I always take the easy stuff first, proper coolant mixture and level in radiator, Radiator cap make sure its working correctly a simple pressure test. obstruction in front of radiator, leaves and debris.

[Frank K.]

Re: Radiator cooling

There is no ac in car. Street driven Fluid mixture okay, radiator front clean radiator cap new. I did notice cooling fan (stock) does not rotate after car is turned off! Is this normal?

[Edward J.]

Re: Radiator cooling

Frank, the clutch & fan should rotate a few turns after the engine is shut down. If it does not rotate at all then you need a new fan clutch. there is a bearing that can fail.

The next question re-guarding the over heating is the radiator original? with age sometimes to internal core can block and cause flow problems causing temp's to rise above the normal temp. If you have a radiator shop near by they can check for you and maybe clean out. I prefer to keep the original radiators as the are so much better the box replacement's. If you have ever held a original and a replacement you'll note the weight difference, and life with the replacements are not very long. about the only good replacements are from Dewitt's which can be expensive.

[Frank K.]

Re: Radiator cooling

I ran the car today and when you shut it off the fan blade stops immediately! So I was wondering who in the NCRS rebuilds them?Thanks Frank

[Michael W.]

Re: Radiator cooling

I ran the car today and when you shut it off the fan blade stops immediately!

Does it not release once the engine is cool?

The condition of it stopping immediately would help with the hot-running issue, not cause it.

[Edward J.]

Re: Radiator cooling

Frank, Mike is correct, but correct function is still something you'll want. with the car sitting, not running can you spin the fan blade?some resistance is okay. if okay I would start trying to just figure if the Temp. gauge is reading correctly, using a infrared gun, if you have one point it to the thermostat housing to get a idea of the temp. and when the themostat opens. just a note a few degrees off is okay.