1960 Radiator Quandary

[James S.]

This is a 1960 Vette; total resto on the drive train and have driven 70 miles now. The engine runs perfect; idle is at 450, dwell and timing are right on factory specs. Radiator totally restored with core replaced with an copper element that provides 30% more cooling capacity (more rows). Thermostat is a 160 degree high flow. Stock engine; no mods. Engine is all original OEM parts and all have been restored. OEM stock fan blade assembly is installed on the H2O pump.

Gents,

The engine runs a tad bit cooler now that I have installed a 160 high flow stat., but there is still over flow from the cap dripping out at long stops and upon engine shut down. The engine keeps losing anti-freeze. Will an anti-freeze threshold be met in the radiator as I continue to drive the car where no more anti-freeze drips out? This is very annoying and I am worried that eventually there won't be enough anti-freeze to properly cool the engine.

Has anyone installed a flex fan that would pull more air through the front of the radiator?

I know there is a point where too much cooling will cause other problems, but I appreciate any input. As usual, a great forum here of professionals.

Thanks,

Jim

[Terry D.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Quandary

James,
Have you checked the temperature with an IR gun? Need to know if it is really running hot. What temperature does it show out on the highway? Need a few more specifics. Has the rad cap been tested? New doesn't mean good.
Terry

[Jim D.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Quandary

Sounds to me like you are overfilling the radiator. When cold, the coolant level should be down a few inches to allow room for expansion when it gets up to operating temperature.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Quandary

Sounds to me like you are overfilling the radiator. When cold, the coolant level should be down a few inches to allow room for expansion when it gets up to operating temperature.

Exactly.

Just drive it and ignore it for a while. It will self-level and do fine. This is a very common thing in older cars but we forget about it since they've had built-in overflow cans since 1973.

Patrick

[Stan G.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Quandary

Had the same problem with my 58 a few years ago , replaced the repop cap with a cheap cap , and let the radaitor seek its proper level instead of filling it to the top every time and no more problem . Runs normal temp and no more overflows at shutdown . Stan

[Loren L.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Quandary

What's the pressure # of the cap? In any case, I'd try another.