[Healeys] Fw: Aluminum Radiators

[M Lempert]

Doug:  I agree with Gary on this one - at least partially - you also need to
increase air flow.  You might remember that I was trying to solve my chronic
cooling problem last year just before my trip to Conclave. I had done a
number of things; swapping in and out, to test for improvements.  I had my
original radiator re-cored to a high efficiency (whatever that was) and it
didn't make any difference. in fact, it was worse than before.  I also had
the Texas Cooler which never made any difference either.  I installed a push
fan in front and that made it worse too - was blocking air to the radiator,
so I removed it.  I even suspected I had a bad re-core. Last thing I did was
remove the Texas Cooler and install a flex fan. I also had plans to make a
shroud for the fan, but never got to that.  The flex fan made all the
difference.  My temperature actually stayed a tad below 160 and even in the
worst of conditions never went above 195.

My situation before the changes was good cooling at speed, but it would rise
immediately and quickly at idle or traffic creeping speed (Texas cooler
installed).  The re-cored radiator had trouble at speed and was real bad at
idle.  The lesson here is that it's all about air flow. The re-cored unit
had more rows and needed a stronger pull or flow of air, something speed
couldn't even accomplish.  The flex fan obviously increases flow
dramatically.  Honestly, given the performance of the fan, I think the
original core would have worked just fine.

One note on my flex fan...  I was getting so frustrated with the problem
that I over did it with the fan. I bought a big one and had to trim the
length to clear the return hose to the radiator.  They say not to trim them,
but, well, I did.  I'd suggest getting a correct sized blade.

Regards,
Mike Lempert
>>
>> Begs question: why use aluminum radiator? Aluminum cools less efficiently
>> than steel and ally rads cost more. The only good reason to use one is 
>> for the
>> weight savings if you're planning to race your Healey. Best all-around
>> solution
>> for radiators, if you live in a very hot and hilly climate or plan to
>> participate in a lot of parades, is to take your standard radiator, and 
>> have a
>> good
>> radiator shop replace the core (area between the top and bottom tank) 
>> with a
>> thicker core. Won't create any fit problems, will work more efficiently 
>> than
>> aluminum or stock, and cost about the same, all-in, as an aluminum 
>> radiator.
>> Cheers
>> Gary