[lemans63]

My 63 326 is running to hot (215-225) The number is worn off but I think it is a 4 cylinder radiator from 1963. I need to significantly reduce the temp. Has anyone used the one sold through Ames and made by US Radiator? Roger Rosebush (former owner of Be Cool) is making radiators for our cars. Does anyone have knowledge regarding these? Better than the one from Ames? Any other quality radiator out there that is a dropin?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm also using a 7 blade metal fan.
Is a shroud available?

[Radman]

One of the first things to check is the heat riser on your exhaust. If it is stuck, and most are hope it is in the open position. The closed position runs the right bank through the intake manifold then through the crossover of the left bank and out. If stuck open leave it alone. If stuck closed get it open, or remove it.

[lemans63]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have dual exhausts and I believe there are no heat risers anymore but will check to make sure.

[tom s]

Check your timing.Our engines tend to run hot with retarded timing.Should be in the 34 to 38 total range.Tom

[tom s]

Also pick up a laser heat gun and check the temp going in and out of the radiator.You can also check the temp at the thermostat housing and where it goes into the heads.Tom

[mechanickeith]

Factory A/C cars had a shroud. Hard piece to find. Really helps though.

[Peter Serio]

The fan shroud on 63 Tempest-Lemans cars is made of folded and spot welded metal. On all 1963 V8 326 cars I am pretty sure that a fan shroud was standard. The '63 V8 cars also came with a radiator that had more cooling tubes than a 4 cyl car. (Thicker core) I don't think a 4 cyl rad would have enough cooling capacity to run with a V8 engine.

[tom s]

Peter,my 63 326 HO 3 speed car did not come with a shroud.Tom

[lemans63]

My car was originally a 4 cyl but now is a 350 HO. My oil pressure when starting the engine is 35-40 lbs. But as the temp. goes to 200 and higher, my oil pressure drops dramatically to 10-15 lbs. so this is a real concern. Hopefully a new 4 row radiator will help a lot and I will look for a shroud. I could also install an electric fan if necessary. Thanks for all the comments. I think my mechanic has a laser heat gun to check the temperatures.

[mechanickeith]

All the 61-63 cars had what was called a finger guard on the top of the radiator. A complete fan shroud was only on Factory A/C cars. I run a shroud on the 61 Tempest with a 7 blade fan to keep the temps down while running in the Phoenix summer heat. My car is not an A/C car. Shroud was good for a 20 degree drop in temp.

[GaryK]

The four cylinder had a 2 row radiator and the V8 had a 3 row. By going to a 4 row Aluminum Radiator will only help. You didn't mention what temperature rating your thermostat is, should be 180. The fan shroud was available on what I saw as a "warm weather package" I had a couple but sold them both, ask Jerry if he has one.

What brand oil pressure gauge are you using? I wouldn't trust the cheap ones from Autozone.

[JohnFromVentura]

There is an interesting article in the latest "hot rod" magazine on cooling. It notes that brass style radiators have a fin count of 10-14 fins per inch and newer 2 row aluminum radiators have a fin count of at least 20 fins per inch. Also, addresses the pitch of original fans vs newer electric fans: old style have a more drastic pitch where newer electric fans have a shallower pitch that works better with newer type aluminum radiators. I used a Northern 209613 aluminum radiator: http://www.northernfactory.com/HIGH_...RO/209613 John

[beemergary]

I reproduced that ac fan shroud for my 61-421sd. from the one on my 63-421sd.

[jww]

Could someone post pics of a 4 cyl and 8 cyl 4 bolt pump side by side so we can see the difference.

Many thanks, JWW

[rdtripn_rte66]

in the newer issues of the Ropeshaft Reader for the Little Indians newsletter there is a new style radiator designed for our cars - check it out. I can send you a copy if u pm me ur email. Thanks
Robin Triplett
Little Indians director

[CONCRETEHART]

did you get the one I sent? Norm