First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... It sounds like a clogged/blocked radiator *and/or* bad fan clutch.
These cars really shouldn't overheat at idle, or require heavy duty radiators or extra electric fans if the cooling system is working properly. I would try swapping out the fan clutch with a known good one (this assumes you are using the correct fan for the car/engine/mods) - while you're in there it would be a good idea to snug up the shroud. If that doesn't do it and the radiator is the issue, then you should be able to get it re-cored if you want to kee it as original as possible, or get a replacment radiator for a 400-a/c car which is a 4 row IIRC. I had mine re-cored a number of years ago, it cost about a hundred bucks. Good luck - doesn't sound to hard to chase down and fix... Eric Heinrich >>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Overheating Problems 1969 Firebird - Do I need a new Radiator? From: "Michael Hershey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 23:35:31 -0500 My bird has had overheating problems for some time, and now that my engine had been rebuilt it still has the old overheating problems. Idling in a parkign lot today it overlowed and read 225 degrees - very hot! I have a 350 2bbl auto with a/c The fan clutch turned pretty easily and spun freely even while the motor was this hot - I assume its gone bad? The bigger worry I have is the radiator - as far as I know its the original radiator to the car - when I added water the coolant looked like a frothy root beer - there some rust in the radiator for sure - when I drained it last week the water was pretty brown at first. So,...........even if I replace the fan clutch - is is reasonable to assume I should go ahead and replace the radiator at this point - or is there a way to diagnose this? and yes, I do have a fan shroud, although its not exactly snug on the radiator sides - it kind of bounces loose . Lastly - If I replace the radiator, what are the odds a new one will fit the shroud? any recommendations on where to get a new radiator that I'll be happy with? thanks!!! Michael Eric Heinrich ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/> Donations: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store/cart.mv?999999> FGF Merchandise: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store>
