Overheating Issues, Perplexed

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Thing about a 160...while no differnce going down the road, it'll be cooler when you stop

Okay, I'll definitely buy that. IIRC, when I installed the 160*, I didn't road test it nearly enough. I may need to try that again.

Originally Posted by Jamo

...compare the cost of the radiator to the cost of the motor and your own kharma being disrupted every time you're stopped in traffic and have to start watching the needle.

I am at the end of my build, so I am done trying to rationalize any of these expenses. Its all AMEX $insanity$ at this point. But as you say, I'll be damned if I am going to come 45 years to then live with a car where I have to be preoccupied with a temp needle.

Originally Posted by Jamo

Fresno vs. Houston...close, but I can always drag in Bakersfield, which smells like Houston.

I'll see your Bakersfield and bump you a Port Arthur.

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Is it possible that there's some sort of blockage or air pocket in the radiator that may be reducing the flow area? I would think it would be easy enough to check with the IR thermometer. Just a thought.
-Ray

It is very possible. I removed both hoses and held my hand over the lower exit while filling up the radiator will water. Then I removed my hand and it discharged within a couple seconds. I did this a few times and nothing came out. I also spot checked it with the IR gun and didn't see any abnormally hot spots versus the overall temps. As I mentioned, with the engine idling, the circular area where the fan is drawing is maybe 10* cooler than the rest of the radiator, but there are no other hot spots in the "no fan" zone that I could find. I also placed a lamp behind the radiator and turned out the lights in the garage and looked through the fins. I could not see any fin blockage or any signs of distortion of the tubes. The only other thing I can do to check for blockage is remove it and take it to a shop. And at this point, this radiator is sorta like that girlfriend you suspect probably needs to go: Once she's out, she ain't gettin' back in.