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Does size really matter?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by vanguard, Mar 8, 2005.

  1. Mar 8, 2005
    vanguard

    vanguard

    Does size really matter? :shock: Can it be too big? :twisted:

    I'm struggling with radiator options for my :v6: conversion. I picked up an mid-70s grill (large turn signals) and want to use the Chevy conversion radiator for betsy. The part number is 350R3 and is a 3-core brass/copper unit. I think this route is the cleanest/most cost effective method I've found, but I'm worried the radiator will be too large and not let the motor heat up to the proper temp.

    Hopefully I'm just over analyzing and it will work fine.

    Used grille on eBay - $9.99
    Shipping for used grill - $51.21 :shock:
    Radiator 350R3 from Krage - $169.99

    Having you guys tell me I'm an idiot - Priceless.
     
    vanguard, Mar 8, 2005
    #1
  2. Mar 8, 2005
    jollyjeepers

    jollyjeepers Member

    Roanoke, VA
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2003
    Messages:
    221
    I can't say whether size really matters in everything, but as far as radiators go I don't think you're out of line. Peter has a habit of always installing upgraded radiators. He put a 3-core V8 one in our 6 cyl. CJ7. He put an upgraded one in his Dodge pickup.

    The radiator will not have to do with temperature. That is the thermostats job. Whether it gets up to the proper temp depends on which one you use.

    B
     
    jollyjeepers, Mar 8, 2005
    #2
  3. Mar 8, 2005
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    I was thinking the same thing.

    Use the right thermostat, you should be fine.
     
    sparky, Mar 8, 2005
    #3
  4. Mar 8, 2005
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,393
    If it's oversized enough to make a difference you'll notice it by watching the water temp gauge as the thermostat does it's thing. The temp will go up and down continually but I doubt you could fit a radiator that was big enough to cause problems. ;)
     
    Glenn, Mar 8, 2005
    #4
  5. Mar 8, 2005
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    no, but it would take all day to warm up, and you would never get any heat in winter.
     
    66cj5, Mar 8, 2005
    #5
  6. Mar 8, 2005
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    Heat? Winter? He's in San Diego. R)
     
    sparky, Mar 8, 2005
    #6
  7. Mar 8, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    Not if he has a thermostat in place. Remember, there is next to NO water circulation until the thermostat opens up.
     
    w3srl, Mar 8, 2005
    #7
  8. Mar 8, 2005
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    Yea this is true , But if the radiator is to big, the thermostat won't close fast enough to keep most of the water in the block from circulating out, then the engine is always warming cold water up. My Dodge has the factory towing package, it takes 5-8 miles to warm the engine up to where the gauge will read at all, then in the winter time the temp always runs about 10* colder due to the large radiator.
     
    Mcruff, Mar 8, 2005
    #8
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