Re: [BaadAssGremlins] Modifications

Thanks for all of the input!

OK, a word to the wise is sufficient - I'll return the header tape. I will have the system flushed and install a shroud - I have a fan shroud I removed from a scraped Hornet a while back - guess I best put it on. Ain't doing me any good sitting in the garage!

What gets me is that this 304 ran hot from the day I bought it new in 75. Since I added the headers,carb, manifold and it sat in my garage for 15 years, it seems to have gotten worse. Maybe it does need a good enema!

Charlie

In a message dated 6/10/2006 10:43:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time, martin-davis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Ok, There is no reason your engine should run up to 210.

Have your radiator flushed and also flush the rest of the cooling system. Make sure you have a fan shroud. Re route your fuel line so it is away from heat sources.

RETURN THE HEADER TAPE!!!! within a year you will have swiss cheese headers from rust. NO need for the 160 stat go back to the 180.

My 400 HP 360 never got over 180 even on a hot day. Stock 3 row radiator, dual electric fan with shroud from a dodge car, electric moroso water pump drive. tranny cooler.

Davis

AMC74HORNET@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

If you don't have A/C but a V8 engine then you have the HD radiator. All
6's with A/C have the HD radiator. You might see about wrapping those
headers as I think Davis said headers are not guaranteed against rust if
they are wrapped. He has to comment on this. Had the cooling system been
flushed out? Has the radiator been boiled out at a radiator shop?
Without A/C you might have enough clearance to put one or 2 auxiliary
fans. You need to check the clearance between the radiator and grill and
then get a Jeggs catalog and find the one that will fit the space you
have. On the 160 degree thermostat I have never had to use one lower
than 180.
"Doc"

To: BaadAssGremlins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: GrublinX@xxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2006 20:47:30 EDT
Subject: Re: [BaadAssGremlins] Modifications

Hey Doc,

Thanks for the reply. I am learning far more from group members than my little mind can handle!

My 75 Gremlin 304 has always run very hot and I have no AC. While I did no internal engine work (yet), but I have added Headman headers and an Edelbrock Performer manifold w/ a 4 bl carb. Due to starting problems caused by heat induced gas percolation, I replaced the stock 4 blade steel fan with a 7 blade aluminum fan and swapped the stock thermostat for a 160 degree thermostat. I bought heat tape to wrap the headers, but have not installed it yet.

Even with the fan and racing thermostat, on a hot day I can run her up to 210 degrees no problem, which is why your idea about an auxillary fan caught my attention. Frankly, my motor runs great at 160 and I'm working like the dickens to keep it in the 160 - 180 range. However, you mentioned the magic 180 degree figure. Am I making a mistake running the engine at 160?

Charlie

In a message dated 6/9/2006 6:06:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, AMC74HORNET@xxxxxxxxx writes:

Charlie not being familiar with the nose of a Gremlin I don't know what
the clearance between the radiator and grill is. Do you have A/C? if so
that will probably cut down the clearance like on my Hornet. The center
vertical bolt in hood latch support in my Hornet is right up against the
A/C condenser. On the drivers side in front of the condenser near the
headlight is the A/C drier. I am putting the fan on the pass side. I
also have a clearance problem as the Hornet nose is in a V shape and has
the V shaped rubber bumper filler in there along with the V shaped grill
so clearance is pretty tight. Going through the electrical fans in
Jeggs catalog I found an 8"x8"X 2 1/4 deep fan that should just fit. It
can be set up as a pusher or puller. It has the optional wiring harness
with a thermostat which I will probably get but I will also wire in a
manual over ride toggle switch on the dash. I know from personal
experience with my other Hornet even when it was new that it would run
hot in the 90 degree weather with the A/C on. You can't run a thermostat
cooler than 180 or the engine will not run properly. I have incorporated
the 33 years of modifications I made on my other Hornet into this one in
the last 2 1/2 years I have owned it.
"Doc"