1964 Dodge Polara Cooling Issue

[grubby65]

I am in need of suggestions to help me solve the cooling issue with my 1964 Dodge Polara. Here are the specifics for the car:
1) Mild 383.
2) Power steering and brakes.
3) Automatic Transmission with separate fluid cooler.
4) Champion 3 row radiator.
5) Air conditioning.
6) Electric fan.
7) High Flow 185 degree thermostat.
8) I have not pulled the water pump to check its condition.
9) Non-clutch "flex" fan.
10) Radiator fan shroud.
11) Recent coolant change 50/50 mix.

The problem I have is when the ambient temperature is over 85 degrees the water temperature runs around 205 without the air conditioning running. So, in all reality I never am able to use the air conditioning when I actually need it. It seems the electric fan really doesn't do much. On one hot day (95 degrees). It let the car run at an idle, with the electric fan on, and the water temperature got to 215, this took about 15 minutes.

Here are some pictures:

A few thoughts I had is there may be an issue with the proximity of the Air Conditioning condenser and the radiator. There is approximately a 1" gap between them. The other is the Champion radiator, it is less than 1/2 the cost of say a US Radiator. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Anyway, if someone has suggestions I am all ears. I don't want to go to the expense of buying a new radiator if it is something els.

 

[Glenwood]

seems like not enough airflow. Does it hit over 200 while driving? I'm wondering if it needs a bigger dia. elec fan or duals... Maybe the shroud needs to come off if you don't have a mech fan in there.

 

[khryslerkid]

Would useing a electric fan on one side of the rad, in combination with a mechanical fan on the other, cause a negative effect in some cases? Just curious ...

I take it you're useing a mechanical temp guage and not a electric?

 

[grubby65]

I do have an Autometer mechanical gauge. Don't know about the two fans working against each other. They are both pushing air in the same direction though.

 

[Glenwood]

is the stat working for sure? Do you see good flow through the rad opening when it warms up to temp?

 

[grubby65]

is the stat working for sure? Do you see good flow through the rad opening when it warms up to temp?

There is movement in the top tank. Nothing crazy. What would you say an indicator of "good flow" might be? I tested the thermostat in water before I installed it and it did open at the correct temperature. On cooler days it does the regulate the temperature at 185.

 

[Glenwood]

I notice a difference when the stat opens, not exactly like a river, but definitely starts moving across the top tank.
Maybe try a solid 7 blade or clutch fan and see if it improves?

 

[grubby65]

What are people's thoughts on the Champion radiator?

 

[QuickBpBp]

Put a real fan on it and ditch that electric one...it's only trying to cool half the radiator and does nothing for getting rid of heat under the hood from the engine. I have a 64 Polara ragtop with a mild 440 runs low twelve's no a/c and I had the same problem with an electric fan...I put a regular fan on it and no more problems..

 

[oldbee]

I think your pusher fan out front is probably causing a restriction in airflow. Try it without it.You do have another inside the shroud right?

 

[65NUTCASE]

I took some advice from my uncle. Who said they just from the factory so I put everything that came on the car from the factory for core radiator from Capa radiators , clutch fan and an original shroud . I have a 60 over 440 11 to 1 compression and it runs that 190 with a tranny cooler

 

[mr. b]

I have a stock record rad in my 63 fury with a 30 over 440 with a 7 inch flex fan no shroud and on a 90 degree day the temp stays at 170 no problems

 

[grubby65]

The AC condenser is really dense. Basically there is a 1" gap at the top and bottom. I'm wondering if it is having difficulty pulling air through it to get to the radiator.

 

[grubby65]

I called Vintage-Air to discuss my issues with them. Their suggestion was to replace the radiator which is a 4-core Champion. They felt the radiator was actually too thick which made it difficult to get air through. So I'm going to probably go that route. Any suggestions on a radiator? US Radiator, Griffin, B-Cool?

 

[oldbee]

Another thought is that if u use a clutch fan half the blade should be out of the shroud.Entire fan inside of shroud is actually detrimental.

 

[grubby65]

Another thought is that if u use a clutch fan half the blade should be out of the shroud.Entire fan inside of shroud is actually detrimental.

I thought about that. But, I was looking at a couple of different Fans that use a clutch. Both of them said maximum rpm of 4000. Is that pretty accurate. I will take this 383 up into the 5500 range. Do you see that as being an issue

 

[oldbee]

Not me....

 

[Jackpot50]

What are people's thoughts on the Champion radiator?

Got a Champion 3 row in a 62 Polara 500 with a good shroud thats shuts off all extra air to radiator with a 5 blade flex fan.
Runs 180-185 in summer no problem.
Had 2 10" fans, shroud not real good could not keep it cool when riding around town.