cooling system capacity and add-on A/C, was Re: 258 water pump question

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Sun, 2006-03-12 at 19:37, Matt Haas wrote:
> Doug,

> What problem are you having that you're trying to solve with an electric 
> fan? The stock cooling system should be able to keep your engine cool 
> without any problems.


I'm not sure if I posted this yet, my apologies if I did already.

So last summer I got aftermarket A/C installed in the 63 Classic, all
modern stuff from Vintage Air, runs H134a, not R12. The cooling system
is stock-ish, 2-row radiator, 50/50 antifreeze, 185 degree thermostat,
232ci six, auto trans. Mechanical "RV" flex fan, no shroud. I change the
fluid every few years, and I've not had any serious overheating
problems.

When I put the A/C system in, I assumed I would have to replace the
radiator with three-rows, and either shroud the fan or put in electrics.
Though I used it only starting late AUgust last year, the maiden trip
was from Los Angeles up through the California desert to north of Reno
and back. 

There's been no problems at all. Ask me again at the end of this coming
summer, but I doubt I'll have any serious problems. I should shroud the
fan I suppose.

The moral is, I think, that a decent stock cooling system in good
condition is more than enough for A/C.