Re: 1950 Packard 288 Auto overheating HELP

Posted by otgdy On 2010/2/2 11:37:47

It doesn't leak or steam over which surprises me. I get some white smoke briefly when I start up looks like condensation more than a head gasket. The car is in the garage which is warmer than outside. I am going to do a compression check just in case. The water level has been the same for as long as I have had the car which is why I haven't pursued this much. I checked the hoses and they are new, however I will give them a squeeze test to make sure.

The radiator guy said that the core had too many fins. Don't laugh yet.. He stated that the density of the fins is such that the radiator will block airflow. Anyone have an idea how many fins per inch they have traveling down the core ? I have been suspecting that it needs a big pusher fan to keep the airflow at idle although it puzzles me why it is fine when left in idle and only overheats after a run.
I am going to count the fins and post it. If anyone else can do the same I would love to compare numbers.
OTG