David :
Another option you may want to consider is having your radiator
re-cored. This essentially makes it a new radiator, since all the parts
that radiate heat (the fins and tubes) are replaced, but keeps the fit
of the original radiator, since the original mounts and tanks are
retained. I had a TR3 radiator recored recently, I believe the price
was around $150 (without the crank hole). Not bad when you figure that
a used American radiator will cost $50-100 from a junk yard, plus
another $30 to have it rodded and repaired, then all the hassle with
rerouting hoses and mounts.
I went to Mac's Radiator in Bellflower, but there is probably a good
shop nearer you.
Another thing to check is whether your radiator and cap are both either
"long neck" or "short neck". Measure from the lip inside the opening on
the radiator to the top edge, and then the matching dimension on the
cap. Both should be either 1" (long neck) or 3/4" (short neck). Using
a 3/4" cap on a 1" radiator will substantially reduce the efficiency of
the radiator.
Randall
David Lee wrote:
>
> Hi everyone
> David again. My radiator is just too old and crummy. It seems the old
> thing has been worked on so many times that it has layers and layers of
> repair which dont bother me but makes the car very unhappy at stop lights.
>
> This is the same car that only gets 10 miles to the gallon so Im not certain
> that the engine isnt producing more heat than it should. On the advice of
> fellow listers Ive made sure there are no leaks in the tank, pump, or lines.
> I must be running very very rich or fuel must be pooring into my intake
> since I dont see it coming out the mouth. The smell comes out the carbs and
> doesnt smell like straight fuel from the pump but rather a strong unburnt
> kinda fuel smell cant really explain it.
>
> With a thermostat the car will start to over heat after a few red lights.
> Without a thermostat it takes much longer and as long as im moving the car
> stays at about 75 degrees C, 65 on freeway rides. My best guess is that the
> radiator is okay. But Id like to get some opinions on this matter just in
> case the engine doesnt run cooler after a carb retune. I've been thinking
> about my options and a radiator swap seems like a great idea since theyre
> not only cheaper but more efficient. Fabricating mounts shouldnt be too
> hard to do but finding a radiator that will fit while handling the heat is
> what Im worried about.
>
> Has anyone tried a radiator swap for a TR4? If so what car is it out of?
> Thanks
> David Lee
>
> http://members.home.net/davelee1/postriumph.html
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