So I want to have a 440 built....

[carrman]

I'll get a pic. Temp gun shows 20 degree drop top to
Bottom. Shroud in excellent shape.

 

[livininharrow]

20 degree temp. drop is not enough. that in itself tells me that you have inadequate air flow through the rad.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I'll get a pic. Temp gun shows 20 degree drop top to
Bottom. Shroud in excellent shape.

You do not have enough temp ∆. Radiator is either clogged or not enough fins per inch or not enough airflow, or water is moving too fast through radiator.

 

[carrman]

 

[300rag]

I would definitey try the temp readings again without the honeycomb.

 

[carrman]

Honeycomb removed.

 

[carrman]

How much temp drop should I have top to bottom?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

How much temp drop should I have top to bottom?

At least 40

 

[carrman]

I'll see what I get today now I've taken that mud guard off. If that doesn't do it then I guess it's time to have a new radiator made.

 

[Zymurgy]

That has to be a major part of your over heating problem. I have always heard a regular mesh screen on a window in your home restricts 50% of the air flow. That is more obtrusive than that.

Dave has a great tip of a 40 degree drop in the radiator, that is great information in determining if your radiator is cooling properly.

 

[commando1]

WhyTF would anyone put that honeycomb thing on?

 

[carrman]

WhyTF would anyone put that honeycomb thing on?

Rich wanted to keep bugs off of the rad.

 

[detmatt]

So put something else in front of it to catch them???

 

[70bigblockdodge]

The radiator in my Challenger has mid 50° drop on a 90+ degree day, and I do not think it has a high enough fin count. It is not one of the cheap cores that you can see through, but I think it could be higher.

 

[polara71]

Rich wanted to keep bugs off of the rad.

Always a lot of respect for the mans mechanical abilities and stories. Im puzzled by what I see...

 

[carrman]

Well today saw the weather in the low 70's. I never saw engine temp go much over 180 at all today, will know more as the week progresses as it's supposed to get hotter everyday this week.

 

[carrman]

Mid 70's right now, seeing 30 degree difference top to bottom.

 

[detmatt]

Obviously that honeycomb thing doesn't dissipate heat very well in addition to blocking flow.

 

[carrman]

Ok last night I did my first cruise since I owned the car, Lots and lots of stop and go, plus low speed. Temps in mid -60's, engine temp creeped up to just shy of 210, hung there a while, and dropped about 5 degrees and hung there for a while. Then we approached 210 again but didn't quite get there. I think if it had been a warm night, I would have been screwed. I don't think I have enough radiator. Motor has 1700 miles on it now, should be loosening up some by now?

 

[65sporty]

I think it's time to look into a larger radiator. Motor is as loose as it's going to get until it's wore out. With the current radiator it should cool ok in about 70 - 80,000 miles.