Re: Installing pusher fan?

Posted by fred kanter On 2011/3/16 22:24:39

Radiators need two functions to lower the temperature of the cooling system. The flow must be sufficient and the surface of the fins must radiate heat sufficiently.

Flow can be checked (but not perfectly) by removing the radiator cap, warming up the engine to operating temperature so that the thermostat opens. Then rev up the engine and if the water level rises it probably means that the flow down through the radiator is insufficient meaning it is clogged. If the water pump impeller has too much clearance it will not pump enough but this cannot be diagnosed this way.

The best surface finish on a radiator for heat dissipation is a very thin flat black finish. Glossy or thick finishes reduce efficiency. With the current trend of over restoration and the indiscriminate use epoxy finishes, sometimes restored cars look great but are not "cool".

HINT. If your car is running hot in traffic turn on the heater and put the blower to HIGH. The heater is actually a radiator.