How do I choose the size of a replacement radiator. I have a 65 Comet with a stock 302 motor, and auto trans. I put in a new 3 row radiator, new water pump, and a 180 deg. thermostat. The motor was hot tanked and rebuilt 1000 miles ago but it likes to warm up if I sit and idle too long. While I was waiting for a long light, my digital temp gauge (Fluke 52) showed 203 deg. before the light changed. I made and installed a 3 inch fan shroud, but it really didn't make allot of difference. I have a 6 blade fan (not a flex fan) about 1/2 inch from the radiator. I tried a 16 inch electric pusher fan. While this made a difference, it made allot of noise so I took it out. As long as I'm moving all is well. When I get to a stop light, and the outside temp is high, I can watch the temp gauge slowly move up. I would like to put AC in but I'm sure I would over heat very easily. I understand the Comets, Mustangs, Falcons, etc. with V8 motors all had the same radiator (for a 6 cylinder motor) and all had the same problem with heating. How do I determine what size radiator to replace mine with? Should I go with aluminum, or stay with copper/brass? Thanks Arnie arnie123@hotmail.com
Just a question, but did you change out the radiator cap. I had a car doing the same thing one time and it needed a new rad. cap. Wouldn't hold the pressure.
Radiator Cap When I replaced the radiator, I got a new 13 Lb cap.This was what was on the old radiator
Go with an aluminum cross flow design. I have a 19x26 Griffin in my 60 Falcon. I had to cut the raised lip around the radiator opening to get the radiator to sit flat. I have to put cardbord behind the grille when it gets around 40 degrees.
