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David McCollam · 05-02-2005

Paul,

Sounds like you have a serious cooling issue. I've had a couple of radiators rebuilt with a three row core made of brass. Both of the units used the stock tanks brazed onto the new cores. They were the same size as the stock Manta/Sport Wagon radiator. The radiators had about 15% greater capacity and worked great. The temperature gauge never went over about 1/4-1/3 in Texas.

I take it that you will use a A/C unit on the Sport Wagon. If you do this, try an auxiliary cooling fan on the front side of the condenser. There is an 8-inch Perma-Cool fan that is available. If you have a custom radiator built or use the stock with a three row core, have them put in a bung fitting for a thermostat sender. This will allow you to install a thermostat to control the fan. You can get a fixed temperature or adjustable thermostat for a range of about 170-210 degrees. Should be measured at the outlet. This would indicate whether or not the radiator is providing an ample amount of cooling. If the water temperature is still high, the fan will come on to "boost" the airflow. Primarily this will be a low speed or start-stop assist. A fan does not provide significant help in cooling over about 20-30 mph.

Make sure your water pump and drive belt are in good condition. Also, make certain to have the fan shroud in place. Check to ensure that there are no cracks or gaps in the shroud. There are a ton of people who remove them and then wonder why a system that used to run at a normal temperature now runs hot.

Good luck.

05-02-2005	#3 (permalink)
David McCollam Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 589	Custom radiator. Paul, Sounds like you have a serious cooling issue. I've had a couple of radiators rebuilt with a three row core made of brass. Both of the units used the stock tanks brazed onto the new cores. They were the same size as the stock Manta/Sport Wagon radiator. The radiators had about 15% greater capacity and worked great. The temperature gauge never went over about 1/4-1/3 in Texas. I take it that you will use a A/C unit on the Sport Wagon. If you do this, try an auxiliary cooling fan on the front side of the condenser. There is an 8-inch Perma-Cool fan that is available. If you have a custom radiator built or use the stock with a three row core, have them put in a bung fitting for a thermostat sender. This will allow you to install a thermostat to control the fan. You can get a fixed temperature or adjustable thermostat for a range of about 170-210 degrees. Should be measured at the outlet. This would indicate whether or not the radiator is providing an ample amount of cooling. If the water temperature is still high, the fan will come on to "boost" the airflow. Primarily this will be a low speed or start-stop assist. A fan does not provide significant help in cooling over about 20-30 mph. Make sure your water pump and drive belt are in good condition. Also, make certain to have the fan shroud in place. Check to ensure that there are no cracks or gaps in the shroud. There are a ton of people who remove them and then wonder why a system that used to run at a normal temperature now runs hot. Good luck.