Complete Cooling System Rebuild Options

[Saltywater]

Thanks for your recommendations on my over-heating problems (see recent thread). My timing was a little off (no improvement) and my carb is set perfect (lean/rich mixture and floats). Still having the same problems. I'm ditching the heavy duty radiator for one slimmer.

Can someone please confirm for me a configuration that really fits. I would love to convert to a Mustang/Taurus type electric fan and upgrade the alternator, but I'm afraid they are too thick? I have very little space between the water pump pulley and the radiator. I also have a Vintage Air A/C compressor to contend with (protrudes out the top portion of the motor and requires a fan spacer to clear. Also places the fan too close to the radiator).

The serpentine conversion is the real deal, but I can't afford it right now. I have already disassembled the whole system once and I want to ensure this will be the last time I have to worry about the cooling system for a while. Please help!

I'll send you pictures of the quagmire if it would help you visualize my problem. Thanks again!

 

[supermottl]

After reading your post, I'd either go with trying chucks radiator, or going with the flex-a-lite sirocco dual electric fan. It's only 2.5" think!!! I checked it out already. It's 179$ at summit. not so bad. Currently, I'm running a 16" puller I got off ebay, new for 45$ and a hayden fan controller. It's good but I dunno if it'll pull enough air for when it get hot up here in NY... If my 16" fan doesn't work I'm gonna buy the flex-a-lite sirocco setup and see what that's all about...

 

[72Sport]

You might have a blown head gasket. A very slight head gasket leak will give you fits.

When I bought my used 72 boat in 76 it had intermittent overheating problems but ran great. How do you have an overheating problem when the whole lake is your radiator. When I went to the local boat shop the first words out of the mechanics mouth were "if it is a 302 and if it has ever been hot it has a blown head gasket". Since it only had 38 hours on it I knew he was wrong. Two years of fighting with it I pulled the heads. Let see that was 26 years ago. No more problems after new head gaskets.

Take it too a radiator shop and have them do a test to see if there are exhaust gases in the coolant.

When you get ready to change to serpentine with Vintage Air there is a picture of mine in the help forum. No fan clearance problems.

 

[Saltywater]

News Flash!

It appears as if I am leaking antifreeze where the timing chain cover mounts to the block, just to the right and behind the water pump????? It is a small amount of seepage, but I can wipe it away (engine cold) and it will slowly reappear (without having to start the engine). If nothing else, I believe I have the perfect name for my EB "Thorn" (in my side). Also used the old stethoscope trick to discover my ps pump is noisy (chattering like worn bearings or a dull grinding). I really believe I would enjoy this thing if I could get it running, it just appears as if I will wear out my welcome on this forum before I reach that point.