Radiator Advice for 1977 FJ-40

[G-Cat]

So some of you old-timers know my 1977 FJ-40. The 2F was bored over .020 and it used to run a Black Magic electric fan.

I had troubles with the fan, so Butch replaced it with an FJ-60 fan (larger than the original) and we went shroud-less.

Some may remeber that the truck always ran on the warm-side and I have found that this is more-so at highway speeds.

I am planning to replace the radiator and, unless you all can talk me out of it, I am going to get an aluminum unit from Griffin. This is the same rad that was in my first FJ-40 and it did it's job well. The down-side, as usual, is price, but it is a direct bolt-in and *should* eliminate my cooling issues.

As an aside, the rear bed is stripped and is being rust-bulleted then painted. I have a 3-passenger rear seat to bolt-in, 4 freshly painted OEM wheels (widened) and new OEM hubcaps to install, a set of OEM soft doors to hang and am waiting/searching for a set of OEM bows at a decent price (Nick, let me know when you want to part with one of your sets!)

Anway, once back on the road, me and the wife (yes, Butch, I know you all would rather have just the wife) and the 3 kiddos will swing back into the LSLC lifestyle. We hope to start with a couple of meetings and ICBM.

Thanks for any advice...

 

[JasonH]

I don't have much to add other than welcome back! A stock radiator shouldn't have any problems cooling a 2F, hot-rodded or otherwise.

 

[wardfoto]

have you replaced the thermostat? it may have the wrong one. i had a similar issue on one of the 60's, and replaced the 'stat, and it was all good after... just an idea, and cheap to check...

 

[Texican]

Before ya replace it try this, (it worked on the 79 FJ55 it's radiator is unobtanium)
take it off, install the cap lay it down with the hose connections up buy a gallon of pool acid, mix it 50% with water, pour it in, leave overnite, pour it out and rinse, 55 was peggin the temp gauge on the highway, now it stays at 1/4 up off cool even in these temps........a stock radiator will work fine on a 2f no need to spend money needlessly.......

 

[G-Cat]

have you replaced the thermostat? it may have the wrong one. i had a similar issue on one of the 60's, and replaced the 'stat, and it was all good after... just an idea, and cheap to check...

Before ya replace it try this, (it worked on the 79 FJ55 it's radiator is unobtanium)
take it off, install the cap lay it down with the hose connections up buy a gallon of pool acid, mix it 50% with water, pour it in, leave overnite, pour it out and rinse, 55 was peggin the temp gauge on the highway, now it stays at 1/4 up off cool even in these temps........a stock radiator will work fine on a 2f no need to spend money needlessly.......

Check and 10-4.

Thanks!

 

[wardfoto]

also check: radiator cap. if it isn't sealing properly, can also cause some overheating.
and when you pull the thermostat, you can check that it is operating properly by putting it in pan, and heating the water up. it should then open. conversely, once it cools down again, you should see it close.
if it doesn't do that, then it's bad. get a thermometer that can go in the water, so you can see what temp it opens at, if it opens at all.
should open around 180- 183 degrees. or thereabouts.

 

[G-Cat]

also check: radiator cap. if it isn't sealing properly, can also cause some overheating.
and when you pull the thermostat, you can check that it is operating properly by putting it in pan, and heating the water up. it should then open. conversely, once it cools down again, you should see it close.
if it doesn't do that, then it's bad. get a thermometer that can go in the water, so you can see what temp it opens at, if it opens at all.
should open around 180- 183 degrees. or thereabouts.

Thanks!

 

[wardfoto]

so... status on that radiator? any luck?

 

[mmw68]

Garth,

Just remember it's a cooling "system" not just the radiator. So I would double check everything.

I have a 3FE engine in the FJ40 and put in a performance radiator, new T-stat, and cap.. and electric fan and no shroud. It runs 180 degrees with no problem.

Good Luck!

 

[40's rock]

x2 on the cooling system, my 79 40 only ran hot on the freeway. Turns out the impeller on the water pump was worn and couldn't circulate enough water at higher rpms. Just a thought....

 

[G-Cat]

Thanks guys. I'm in Brekinridge for the week. The work on the 40 commences in August and I will update this thread as I go!