walk me through swapping out my radiator

[beastie_3]

I got a brand new all aluminum radiator off ebay for under 260 and it came with 2 12in electric fans. It is a direct replacement, not a universal type, so it fit perfectly. It came with a internal transmission cooler and it also has a spot to put in a temp gauge sender if I ever need one.

If you run a transmission cooler, spend the extra money on a stacked plate type, not the cheaper tube and fin. It cools better. I run one, after it goes through the radiator.

I would keep the heater core hooked up. We can help you fix your fan, or otherwise diagnose it. It can usually be something simple to fix the fan.

[Swims350]

yea done checked all of that as well as every other monte, regal, cutlass, grand prix, malibu owner out there to find a non ac box. I'm gonna use a 73-87 truck no ac box and retrofit it for him. Or let him buy a sumit mojave heater self contained unit.

[txchainsawgogi]

I found the same radiator+fan combo deal. How do I hook up the fans? I might just go with an aluminum rad, new water pump and thermostat for now...then get a fan down the road.

[txchainsawgogi]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-Row-Aluminum-Radiator-Chevy-GMC-Truck-1973-80-Fans-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45f4476e3dQQitemZ300451065405QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_5351wt_1140


Got my eye on this one, and a new thermostat, and maybe a new hi flow pump. I want cooling overkill haha.

[Layne]

T-stat stuck open? Or no water going past the gauge sensor?

[beastie_3]

I found the same radiator+fan combo deal. How do I hook up the fans? I might just go with an aluminum rad, new water pump and thermostat for now...then get a fan down the road.

I was having trouble finding the female ends for the fan plugs, so all I did was get two GM alternator wire extensions at the parts store. The wires are large enough to carry the load for the fans. I cut the fan plugs off, cut the extensions in half and wired it all up.

[txchainsawgogi]

I shouldn't have any power drain issues with them right?

[beastie_3]

Not unless it is still running hot. I got a adjustable thermostat kit that turns the fans on when it reaches a certain point.

[txchainsawgogi]

Not unless it is still running hot. I got a adjustable thermostat kit that turns the fans on when it reaches a certain point.

Where do I find a kit like that? Sounds like it has the potential to be difficult to set up haha

[beastie_3]

I got mine at summit. It is adjustable so you can have the fans turn on at 180, 190, 200, what ever you want. It just takes a screw driver to turn. Ill look for the one I bought and post the link. Its not hard to wire: 12+ wire, thermostat wire, ground, and fan wires. It also has wires to hook up to the AC if you have one.

[txchainsawgogi]

How do I flush things out before I hook up the new radiator? Literally just use a hose or is there a better method?

Also, any additives suggested when using a brand new rad?

Oh yeah and how do I know what temp thermostat to use?

I should be getting my new one on wed., I'm super excited!

[frotosride]

A hose is prob the easiest way to flush..just open the drain plug and get all the coolant out.You can take the coolant to most autoparts stores and they will dispose of it for you. then just take the cap off and put the hose in. let it flow and watch the color of the water coming out this will tell you when a good time to stop would be.
Just go with a 160* stat it will not only runn cooler but as you know that means more power...
Remember that most of the wiring kits for the fan/s that you buy will have a remote power wire so make sure you splice it into a wire or terminal that is only on with the key.
   here's a good additive to help cooling and it's a trusted and proven brand. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RPO-01600/

[txchainsawgogi]

Royal purple vs. Redline?

[frotosride]

who cares, for me if it ain't purple it doesn't flow..just pick one.

[beastie_3]

Are you trying to flush the system to get rid of debris, or to get rid of old coolant? I really wouldnt use tap water. Supposed to use distilled water. 160* isnt going to give you any benefits. If you have a cooling system that works properly, 180* is fine. Come winter, it will take much longer to warm up. The factory never ran 160*.