overheating problems on chevy350

[Domek]

I have a 1979 fj40 with a chevy 350. the problems I have is overheating. running from 210 to 220 in a very little time. small mod to the engine but causing overheating. I have a mild cam for torque purposes which also give me a hotroad idle. I like it but I am regreting it. Iam running the stock radiator with an electric fan, you could say it is as big as the radiator. I put a 180degree thermostat did not help. the radiator was clean and flush before installed.

what kind of radiator would help? are there any others cheaper then the aluminum that cost from $350.00 to $500.00 any suggestions are welcome. I dont want to sound cheap but price conciensous.

 

[fsusteve]

Are you running a stock water pump or a high flow?

 

[booty]

I have a '74 FJ with a built 350, stock water pump and stock fan. With a stock radiator that was cleaned before installing. But I have made a custom fan schroud that completly surronds the fan. The motor goes to 180 quickly but has yet go any higher. I think the schroud is the main item that has saved me from any problems. So maybe check to see if you are pulling enough air through the radiator.

 

[HI^C]

MILD 406 sbc, stock pump, no thermostat ( havent had one for yrs), stock cruiser radiator, Tauras fan, Never see above 200 (damn adjustable temp switch has like a 10 degree area to kick on). Run around on low speed all yr only on days above 90 out do i have to run with high speed, and it still cycles on and off.

Make sure you run the 1 3/4 bottom radiator hose (this alone was 10 degrees over a 1 1/2 hose) and the spring in it.

Check your timing. also sounds like to much cam, IMO about 214 duration @ .50 is about most in a off and on street cruiser, I ran one cam bigger 224, and it sucked ASS. Well if its built for high RPM highway i could see a large cam, but snail off the line.

 

[Gumby]

I'm fond of the aluminum radiator I got from Dirttrackthunder on eBay. I think it was $135 when I bought it, but I seem to remember it went up since.

The shroud is very important if you overheat while at low speeds. If at high speeds it might be a flow problem. Does your engine run OK? a lean condition will make it run way too hot as well.

 

[fj40charles]

Install a large aluminum radiator and fabricate a fan shroud. Use the stock fan with clutch if possible. Flexalite fans don't work very well.

 

[Domek]

I am thankful for your response to htis matter I will look in all the options. everyone seems to agree in the fan shroud. the cam is not that hi is 204 but tthe heat is intense. now I forgot to mention that I am from Brownsville tx. and the heat here is hot