Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dirt's72 · 03-07-2016, 06:36 PM

I'm needing to correct a hot running engine so want to install a new radiator in my 1972 c30 RV ac automatic. Would like it to fit like original one does. Recommendations from anybody? Originally it had a 3 core with 4 core mounts. Took original one to radiator shop for cleaning but they couldn't fix the leak at the welds. I found an original 4-core I thought was clean and still after 2-t-stats, hei conversion hoses it is still getting hot with gauge reading just over half way w/out ac hooked up. I'd like to start with a fresh new one.

Andy4639 · 03-07-2016, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt's72

I'm needing to correct a hot running engine so want to install a new radiator in my 1972 c30 RV ac automatic. Would like it to fit like original one does. Recommendations from anybody? Originally it had a 3 core with 4 core mounts. Took original one to radiator shop for cleaning but they couldn't fix the leak at the welds. I found an original 4-core I thought was clean and still after 2-t-stats, hei conversion hoses it is still getting hot with gauge reading just over half way w/out ac hooked up. I'd like to start with a fresh new one.

Have you checked it with a temp gun? I wouldn't just go by the temp gauge in these things! I would check it really good before going to the new radiator.

rex01atv · 03-07-2016, 06:49 PM

I bought a Entropy Radiator. I think it fit and works very well. In fact the radiator and fans were cooling so well I had to adjust dip switches to make fan come on later. I have a sbc though. Hope this helps.

davepl · 03-07-2016, 07:03 PM

Factory radiator appears to work for me. I have the 402 and AC, and it did creep up on a hot dat sitting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck with the AC on (trans problem) but with the shroud and clutch fan is more than enough 99% of the time.

Mine's an LMC replacement unit, 4-core.

Jonlopes · 03-07-2016, 09:22 PM

I bought a spectra radiator from Pep boys for $155 with coupon with a lifetime warranty a month ago. Mine is a 71 402 longhorn so it has the 1-ton frame. It has 2 aluminum cores which gives it the same capacity as 4 copper/ brass cores. It has the tranny hook-ups and the heater hose nipple in the right spots. It works great but it looks a little out of place with the plastic tanks.

trukman1 · 03-07-2016, 09:50 PM

Mind letting us know what temperature your thermostat is?

I have 4-core that I had "boiled out" and still had trouble with overheating.

I took out the 185 degree thermostat and replaced it with a 160 and everything is good now.

Dirt's72 · 03-07-2016, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trukman1

Mind letting us know what temperature your thermostat is?

I have 4-core that I had "boiled out" and still had trouble with overheating.

I took out the 185 degree thermostat and replaced it with a 160 and everything is good now.

I started with a 180 degree then went with the recommended spec 190 t-stat. New clutch fan as well. The fluid does boil out after its parked. The guage will back off a little when I run the heater. I can't imagine if the ac worked how hot it would run. And if it the outside temp was above 80 degrees. A guy at work mentioned a coolant test to see if the head gaskets aren't bad leaking hot exhaust gas into the coolant. The carb has been rebuilt, switched from points to hei. Just figured I should start with a new radiator to rule that out. It also has an afrermarket transnission cooler mounted in front of the ac condenser. The motor has 93k original miles. The intake looked very clean when I replaced the t-stat as well.

trukman1 · 03-08-2016, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt's72

I started with a 180 degree then went with the recommended spec 190 t-stat. New clutch fan as well. The fluid does boil out after its parked. The guage will back off a little when I run the heater. I can't imagine if the ac worked how hot it would run. And if it the outside temp was above 80 degrees. A guy at work mentioned a coolant test to see if the head gaskets aren't bad leaking hot exhaust gas into the coolant. The carb has been rebuilt, switched from points to hei. Just figured I should start with a new radiator to rule that out. It also has an aftermarket transmission cooler mounted in front of the ac condenser. The motor has 93k original miles. The intake looked very clean when I replaced the t-stat as well.

Dirt's72, Your situation sounds exactly like mine. I read up on cooling problems on Pirate 4x4. I went to an article by "Billa Vista" on cooling as well as Googled articles on the subject. They all basically said one of the biggest culprits was letting the engine get too hot before letting the coolant start working. Like I said, I was having all the problems you are describing. It's your money but I tried the 160 degree t-stat, like they recommended and it solved ALL my problems...and it didn't cost anywhere near as much as a radiator (which, as I said before, I had redone at a radiator shop to try to fix the problem). I'd certainly recommend at least giving it a try. YMMV

mike16 · 03-07-2016, 10:37 PM

US Radiator, good products and american made

**68350** · 03-07-2016, 11:08 PM

I bought mine through oreillys. Worked great

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 03-07-2016, 11:11 PM

I'm getting mine from Wes. I understand it's a correct fit. It's not cheap, so I figure it's a good one too.

Dirt's72 · 03-07-2016, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I'm getting mine from Wes. I understand it's a correct fit. It's not cheap, so I figure it's a good one too.

That is good to know. Thanks.

1968aj · 03-08-2016, 07:40 PM

I have used 160 thermostats in old trucks for years with no problems

74baggedbug · 03-08-2016, 07:44 PM

im running a 160 thermostat and am very happy with it

Dirt's72 · 03-08-2016, 11:48 PM

I will give this a try this weekend with the 160 degree t-stat. Also gonna try to flush radiator with a prestone cleaning additive. I will update later. Thanks

GTSideSwipe · 03-09-2016, 12:09 AM

By any chance are you running without a fan shroud? I had slight temperature issues until I put a new one on and haven't had any issues since.

Andy4639 · 03-09-2016, 12:12 AM

Another thing to make sure you don't have air in the system. Get the air out and make sure it has the right amount of water & antifreeze mixed. If you use that back flush make sure you get all of it out before you drive it for any distance.

Dirt's72 · 03-09-2016, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTSideSwipe

By any chance are you running without a fan shroud? I had slight temperature issues until I put a new one on and haven't had any issues since.

It has the fan shroud all original set up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Another thing to make sure you don't have air in the system. Get the air out and make sure it has the right amount of water & antifreeze mixed. If you use that back flush make sure you get all of it out before you drive it for any distance.

What's the best way to ensure there aren't any air pockets?

Also going to do a hydrocarbon test this weekend.

GTSideSwipe · 03-09-2016, 02:47 PM

To make sure that there aren't any air pockets in the system. When everything is cool let the engine run for a couple minutes with the radiator cap off and the heater blowing so all pockets can be pushed out.

Alex V. · 03-09-2016, 10:02 PM

Just for good measure I put a cooler (175?) thermostat in my '85's 454 when I replaced the radiator 7 years ago - I know it wasn't as cool as 160 but it wasn't original spec. It's performed as well as I could ask over 40,000 miles since. The only time the temp gauge lifts off the 155* mark is when I'm pulling several tons or more over long hills on the interstate. I hadn't had previous trouble with overheating and the A/C never has worked, but from my understand the biggest reason for these near-200 degree thermostats is emissions - otherwise, 20 or 30 degrees cooler will only help an engine.

Dirt's72 · 05-08-2016, 12:19 PM

An update:

I picked up a new 4-core brass original looking radiator from a local radiator shop here in town. It's made in Mexico not sure of the brand and cost $300.
I put in a 160 degree t-stat as well. Finally took my 72 C30 on its maiden voyage a 360 mile round trip towing my 16' Lund fishing boat. I averaged about 55 mph driving at night. Temps stayed steady just below half on the guage and would get to half way going up some of the mountains as opposed with going over halfway with my old radiator. Was a great trip. I'm just used to driving the six cylinder trucks that run much cooler.

**Joesjunk** · 05-08-2016, 09:54 PM

You might also make sure your temp sending unit in the head is correct. Some replacement ones will make the gauge read warmer that it really is. I just took a factory one out, put a new one it and the gauge read half way and slightly to the right. Put a sending unit out of a truck that I knew read right and that was all it was. It a cheap thing to try anyway. Cool camper btw

TCONNELLY · 05-08-2016, 10:20 PM

Got one from Speedcooling.com , the brand is Engineered cooling products. $219, with lifetime warranty. Seems like a good unit.
Posted via Mobile Device

SparkyRnD · 06-05-2016, 11:12 AM

If you are still looking, we hand-make aluminum radiators here in the USA using domestically sourced materials, and no plastic / epoxy / glue is ever used. And, we are a site sponsor here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590670

03-07-2016, 06:36 PM	#1
Dirt's72 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 1,106	Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I'm needing to correct a hot running engine so want to install a new radiator in my 1972 c30 RV ac automatic. Would like it to fit like original one does. Recommendations from anybody? Originally it had a 3 core with 4 core mounts. Took original one to radiator shop for cleaning but they couldn't fix the leak at the welds. I found an original 4-core I thought was clean and still after 2-t-stats, hei conversion hoses it is still getting hot with gauge reading just over half way w/out ac hooked up. I'd like to start with a fresh new one.

03-07-2016, 06:49 PM	#3
rex01atv Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: OR Posts: 198	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I bought a Entropy Radiator. I think it fit and works very well. In fact the radiator and fans were cooling so well I had to adjust dip switches to make fan come on later. I have a sbc though. Hope this helps.

03-07-2016, 07:03 PM	#4
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block Factory radiator appears to work for me. I have the 402 and AC, and it did creep up on a hot dat sitting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck with the AC on (trans problem) but with the shroud and clutch fan is more than enough 99% of the time. Mine's an LMC replacement unit, 4-core. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

03-07-2016, 09:22 PM	#5
Jonlopes Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA Posts: 323	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I bought a spectra radiator from Pep boys for $155 with coupon with a lifetime warranty a month ago. Mine is a 71 402 longhorn so it has the 1-ton frame. It has 2 aluminum cores which gives it the same capacity as 4 copper/ brass cores. It has the tranny hook-ups and the heater hose nipple in the right spots. It works great but it looks a little out of place with the plastic tanks. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne Big Block Longhorn

03-07-2016, 09:50 PM	#6
trukman1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431 Posts: 737	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block Mind letting us know what temperature your thermostat is? I have 4-core that I had "boiled out" and still had trouble with overheating. I took out the 185 degree thermostat and replaced it with a 160 and everything is good now. __________________ 1967 K30 461/TH400/Np205/D60/14FF/BDS MTZ 375/75/16 on 16x10 Pro Comps

03-07-2016, 10:37 PM	#9
mike16 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bisbee, arizona Posts: 1,529	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block US Radiator, good products and american made

03-07-2016, 11:08 PM	#10
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I bought mine through oreillys. Worked great __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

03-07-2016, 11:11 PM	#11
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,322	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I'm getting mine from Wes. I understand it's a correct fit. It's not cheap, so I figure it's a good one too. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

03-08-2016, 07:40 PM	#13
1968aj Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: houston texas Posts: 1,438	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I have used 160 thermostats in old trucks for years with no problems

03-08-2016, 07:44 PM	#14
74baggedbug Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston tx Posts: 701	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block im running a 160 thermostat and am very happy with it

03-08-2016, 11:48 PM	#15
Dirt's72 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 1,106	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block I will give this a try this weekend with the 160 degree t-stat. Also gonna try to flush radiator with a prestone cleaning additive. I will update later. Thanks

03-09-2016, 12:09 AM	#16
GTSideSwipe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Puyallup WA Posts: 127	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block By any chance are you running without a fan shroud? I had slight temperature issues until I put a new one on and haven't had any issues since.

03-09-2016, 12:12 AM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block Another thing to make sure you don't have air in the system. Get the air out and make sure it has the right amount of water & antifreeze mixed. If you use that back flush make sure you get all of it out before you drive it for any distance. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-09-2016, 02:47 PM	#19
GTSideSwipe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Puyallup WA Posts: 127	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block To make sure that there aren't any air pockets in the system. When everything is cool let the engine run for a couple minutes with the radiator cap off and the heater blowing so all pockets can be pushed out.

03-09-2016, 10:02 PM	#20
Alex V. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Campbellsville, KY Posts: 888	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block Just for good measure I put a cooler (175?) thermostat in my '85's 454 when I replaced the radiator 7 years ago - I know it wasn't as cool as 160 but it wasn't original spec. It's performed as well as I could ask over 40,000 miles since. The only time the temp gauge lifts off the 155* mark is when I'm pulling several tons or more over long hills on the interstate. I hadn't had previous trouble with overheating and the A/C never has worked, but from my understand the biggest reason for these near-200 degree thermostats is emissions - otherwise, 20 or 30 degrees cooler will only help an engine. __________________ Alex V. ------ 1967 C10 Suburban, 350/NP435, Green/Green, PS, PB, HD cooling, charging, shocks, and springs. 1985 GMC C3500 SRW, Sierra Classic, 454/TH400, white/blue.



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05-08-2016, 12:19 PM	#21
Dirt's72 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 1,106	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block An update: I picked up a new 4-core brass original looking radiator from a local radiator shop here in town. It's made in Mexico not sure of the brand and cost $300. I put in a 160 degree t-stat as well. Finally took my 72 C30 on its maiden voyage a 360 mile round trip towing my 16' Lund fishing boat. I averaged about 55 mph driving at night. Temps stayed steady just below half on the guage and would get to half way going up some of the mountains as opposed with going over halfway with my old radiator. Was a great trip. I'm just used to driving the six cylinder trucks that run much cooler.

05-08-2016, 09:54 PM	#22
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,705	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block You might also make sure your temp sending unit in the head is correct. Some replacement ones will make the gauge read warmer that it really is. I just took a factory one out, put a new one it and the gauge read half way and slightly to the right. Put a sending unit out of a truck that I knew read right and that was all it was. It a cheap thing to try anyway. Cool camper btw __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

05-08-2016, 10:20 PM	#23
TCONNELLY Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Stony Brook N.Y. Posts: 33	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block Got one from Speedcooling.com , the brand is Engineered cooling products. $219, with lifetime warranty. Seems like a good unit. Posted via Mobile Device

06-05-2016, 11:12 AM	#24
SparkyRnD Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: acworth georgia Posts: 890	Re: Recommendations for new radiator for 1972 c30 402 big block If you are still looking, we hand-make aluminum radiators here in the USA using domestically sourced materials, and no plastic / epoxy / glue is ever used. And, we are a site sponsor here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590670 __________________ www.RnDFabrication.com Custom Radiators, Valve Covers and Overflow Tanks

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