Radiator air flow

[lutronjim]

I have an LC9 in my 70 ss. The extra cam timing stuff on the front gives me no room for a puller fan. The back of the engine is less than an inch from the firewall so I can't move it rearward. I have a large Spal pusher in front of the AC condenser.

There is quite a gap between the radiator and the condenser and a lot of the air pushed by the fan escapes before going through the radiator. I am installing a new crossflow radiator and was wondering if there was some material (sponge, etc.) that I might use to seal the gap.

While it hasn't run hot, once the fan turns on like at a stop light it doesn't quit until I am roiling again.

Atlanta area gets pretty hot in the summer.

Thanks

[jimijam00]

Yes. Hit up your local hardware store. If your fan doesn't push the most CFM possible, I'd upgrade it the max you can find since pushers w/o a shroud aren't as efficient. Electric fans running at idle when the engine is up to temp and shutting off when you are moving is normal. Oh yeah, since water cools better than antifreeze, I'd be running 80% water 10 months out of the year there.

[Grumpy old man]

Always use 50/50 mix . No matter if you live in Seattle or Miami

https://knowhow.napaonline.com/water...ze-safest-car/

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Always use 50/50 mix.

Nope. Haven't subscribed to that myth for at least 30 years now. There are many other things on the market that lubricate and prevent corrosion just fine when used with a lot of distilled water. You should check them out sometime.

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Nope. Haven't subscribed to that myth for at least 30 years now. There are many other things on the market that lubricate and prevent corrosion just fine when used with a lot of distilled water. You should check them out sometime.

My understanding is that plain water releases it's heat best but the coolant/antifreeze raises the temp of boiling. I've heard a product called water wetter also helps. Never tried it myself

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by tdangle

My understanding is that plain water releases it's heat best but the coolant/antifreeze raises the temp of boiling. I've heard a product called water wetter also helps. Never tried it myself

Agreed. And pressurized coolant has an even higher boiling point.

I tried Water Wetter many years ago in an old Miata we owned. I did not notice any difference....

[Richard]

Putting a larger fan in will not solve your problem. You need to seal the open area around the condenser to the core support so air is directed through the radiator. A metal shroud would be best. You could use foil tape for a temp fix to see if it works. People run into a similar problem with dual pull fans running only one at a lower temp. A lot of the air is pulled from the engine compartment through the static fan instead of through the radiator.

[Andy4639]

They sell a black foam that works great for this. I would also recommend the grille to support covers to force more air through.
I can a test to sealing off the radiator and forcing the air through it.

[GASoline71]

"70 ss"?

Gary

[geezer#99]

Must be a super six Gary!

[lutronjim]

GASoline71 & geezer#99

70 ss - 70 step side
Must be a super six Gary! - LC9 is an LS 5.3 for trucks

[BigBird05]

I learned a long time ago the effects of running water in an aluminum engine. The manufacturers will void your warranty if you don't use antifreeze.

[72c20customcamper]

Only time to run straight water is on the track . Southern temps you can get by with 70/30 up here where I live 50/50 minimum.