56 radiator
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Freshman User
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56 radiator
I am putting a 351 engine into my 1956 ford it origionally had a six cylinder in it. does anybody know if the origional radiator for a 56 6 cylinder engine will be able to cool a engine that's bigger without overheating? thanks for any help
-Josh
-Josh
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 952
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From: Newton Illinois
56 radiator
Used the 6 cyl rad when I put a 351 in my wifes 54 panel had to move
the lower rad hose nipple to the other side worked ok but would gradually overheat on long trips finally went with a new 4 row
Larry
the lower rad hose nipple to the other side worked ok but would gradually overheat on long trips finally went with a new 4 row
Larry
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56 radiator
Larry
thanks for the input, i'll probably get a 4 row just to be safe. but on the topic do you know of any ways to keep the old radiator or make other improvements on it so the temp won't get up so high?
-Josh
thanks for the input, i'll probably get a 4 row just to be safe. but on the topic do you know of any ways to keep the old radiator or make other improvements on it so the temp won't get up so high?
-Josh
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,310
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From: Illinois
56 radiator
I have used the stock 6 cylinder radiator in my 56 panel with a 351C for 14 years. It has worked great. Friends are amazed when I can cruise the fairgrounds at large shows without overheating. I do not run a fan shroud. Be sure you have the rubber seals at the top and bottom of the radiator. These make sure the air flows through the radiator instead of over or under it. I too had to move the lower hose neck.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 296
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From: Red Bluff U.S.A.
56 radiator
My 54 originaly had the 6 cylinder in it when I bought it almost 26 years ago and i've had my 302 in it for 25 years with the same radiator and it's never over heated and I don't have a shroud or clutch fan.
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56 radiator
thanks for the help guys, i'll try it with the old one first and see what happens. i have an automatic i'm putting in so theres going to be a separate tranny cooler mounted behind the radiator. but hopefully that won't make it get hotter.
thanks again
-Josh
thanks again
-Josh
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 319
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From: Sacramento
56 radiator
My 51 F1 radiator has done fine with a 302/C-4 and exterior transmission cooler. With 4 psi radiator cap, I'm at 180 degrees water temp at all times.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
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56 radiator
I have a question about my radiator and fan... if anyone could help
I am installing a 292 in my 55 f250, it came w/ the 239 but that was not in it when I got it. After dropping in the 292 I realized that it sat way low in the compartmant and that a fan on the water pump would not work. How do I solve this problem? Is there a seperate mount? If so where can I get one? Would the exhaust x-over pipe be in the way?
Please help...
Thanks
I am installing a 292 in my 55 f250, it came w/ the 239 but that was not in it when I got it. After dropping in the 292 I realized that it sat way low in the compartmant and that a fan on the water pump would not work. How do I solve this problem? Is there a seperate mount? If so where can I get one? Would the exhaust x-over pipe be in the way?
Please help...
Thanks
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Posting Guru
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From: Boise, Idaho
56 radiator
I personally would not rely on an air-cooled radiator to cool my transmission. Fluid to fluid heat exchangers are much more efficient. Water absorbs a lot of heat. In fact, there are few elements or compounds that can absorb the amount of heat that water can. Air is a relatively poor absorber of heat.
Also, the transmission fluid operates best when it is kept in the 200 degree range. Running it through the radiator water helps keep it in the right heat range.
In my opinion, the optimal set-up is to run it through an air-cooled radiator, then through the engine's cooling water; warms it up if it's too cool, cools it off some more if it needs it, reduces the heat load on the engine radiator.
Use hard lines as much a possible. They won't balloon when you step on the gas and cause a loss of power like rubber hoses do. Sorry if I'm being pedantic.
Best regards,
Also, the transmission fluid operates best when it is kept in the 200 degree range. Running it through the radiator water helps keep it in the right heat range.
In my opinion, the optimal set-up is to run it through an air-cooled radiator, then through the engine's cooling water; warms it up if it's too cool, cools it off some more if it needs it, reduces the heat load on the engine radiator.
Use hard lines as much a possible. They won't balloon when you step on the gas and cause a loss of power like rubber hoses do. Sorry if I'm being pedantic.
Best regards,
