Karl Lutes wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> I've finally been able to drive my 55 2nd GMC on a daily basis for the past
> few weeks. (the gas companies doubled their prices to help me celebrate). I
> expected to have some problems to work through, and I've not been
> disappointed. Other than the transmission cooler line splitting and dumping
> a whole bunch of blood on my driveway, and repeating the trick in a busy
> parking lot the next day (shouldv'e taken the time to replace the whole hose
> instead of just cutting off the end of the old hose), the main problem has
> been keeping the 454 cool.
>
> It has decided it wants to get hotter and hotter as though the cooling
> system is inadequate. I replaced the thermostat (180) but it didn't change
> anything. It gets hot up to 230 or so when idling, and doesn't cool off much
> when driving on the open road. If I take right off and drive with out
> sitting and idling the temp guage will stay in the 212 range. The radiator
> is the original, that came with the orig V8. It might be the rising ambient
> temperatures, but it seems like the overheating problem is getting worse.
>
> What else can I do besides get a new, bigger radiator? If I do need a bigger
> radiator, what the best one to get so the problem will be over? I'm planning
> to add the Vintage Air unit sometime, so 454 need all the cooling help it
> can get. The fan is the biggest electric fan I could get.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Karl Lutes
> Union KY
> 55 2nd GMC sort of rod
> 58 Chev FS in limbo
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
Karl,
I would suggest getting the original rad re-cored. I had my '48 rad changed
to a 4-core unit, and with a 350 and a 195 thermostat it runs at 195-200 degrees
all day, only creeping up if I'm stuck in heavy stop and go traffic. I'm sure a
recore will help your 454 cool. You may want to add a fan shroud if you're
running a mechanical fan as well.
--
Alan & Karen Gingles
Calgary, Alberta
Street Rods and other Hobbies
http://www.nucleus.com/~agingles
Alan's Hot Wheels Heaven
http://www.nucleus.com/~agingles/ALAN6.HTM
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