"One of these things is not like the others..."

[Bob Riding]

I am getting to the point of installing my rebuilt 230 in the "52 Suburban chassis. I few years back, I picked up a 3 row, Champion aluminum radiator, that supposedly fit a '52 Plymouth. It does fit, but it got me thinking about using a modern radiator with a 13lb cap, on my '56 Plymouth motor. Although it's been completely rebuilt- hot-tanked, cooling passages cleaned out and new water distribution tube, how much coolant pressure is ideal? I've heard various opinions from 13psi down to 4 psi. (Some folks even say unpressurized).  I don't want to be popping out freeze plugs in the desert! 

 

As you can see, I have a few stock radiators to choose from, should I want to return it to stock.

[Sam Buchanan]

That is one gorgeous engine!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Why the 55/56 front oil sump into the 52 wagon?

It needs to be a rear sump? Nice job on the engine for sure.

[Semmerling]

I agree, beautiful job on the engine

[Bob Riding]

2 hours ago, Dodgeb4ya said:

Why the 55/56 front oil sump into the 52 wagon?

It needs to be a rear sump? Nice job on the engine for sure.

I used the oil pan from the '56 motor. Are you saying there will be clearance issues? If so, I have a 218 pan I can substitute.

[Dodgeb4ya]

It will most likely hit the steering linkage.

[Semmerling]

Bob, what brand is that engine stand please? 

[Bob Riding]

4 hours ago, Semmerling said:

Bob, what brand is that engine stand please? 

Summit. Best stand I've used. Very easy to rotate.

[Los_Control]

Excellent stand, I'm surprised more places do not offer them for sale.

 

Years ago at a tool store, before Harbor Freight was a thing. 45-50 years ago?

My Uncle & Grandfather stopped in to get something, Uncle saw the rotating engine stand & bought it.

Grandfather had to have one, was the only one they had & no chance to order another. Grandpa was pissed his Son in-law had a better tool then he did.

 

I have used it, it is awesome you can rotate the engine & stop in any position & work on the engine. Gear driven it is very easy to rotate the engine.

Uncle's was blue, there was no cover on the gears, the handle was different ..... @Bob Riding is the only other gear driven stand I have seen.

Maybe professional mechanics see them?

[Semmerling]

Thank you both for the stand information

[Bob Riding]

8 hours ago, Semmerling said:

Bob, what brand is that engine stand please? 

 

Edited May 18, 2023 by Bob Riding

[Bob Riding]

It also has a zerk fitting!

[Sniper]

The NAPA version of that same stand is about $12 more, delivered to my local store, tomorrow.  Taxes, shipping, etc included on both,

[Bob Riding]

11 hours ago, Semmerling said:

Bob, what brand is that engine stand please? 

So - any pressure cap recommendations?

[Sniper]

Sorry, I meant to comment.  About a year ago I put a Champion radiator in and am running the included 13ln\b cap, no issues, so far.

[Semmerling]

10 hours ago, Bob Riding said:

So - any pressure cap recommendations?

 

Bob, I had my original radiator completely cleaned when I rebuilt the engine in 2021. What came out was much more than I expected. Pressure tested and painted, it now runs in the lowest range I have ever seen on this rig. Because of that,. I have not ever moved to a more modern radiator. One of those radiators in your pic may be all that you need. 

[Bob Riding]

On 5/18/2023 at 4:30 AM, Semmerling said:

Bob, what brand is that engine stand please? 

 

 

5 hours ago, Semmerling said:

 

Bob, I had my original radiator completely cleaned when I rebuilt the engine in 2021. What came out was much more than I expected. Pressure tested and painted, it now runs in the lowest range I have ever seen on this rig. Because of that,. I have not ever moved to a more modern radiator. One of those radiators in your pic may be all that you need. 

I assume you took it to a radiator shop and had them clean it out or did you do the work?

[Semmerling]

44 minutes ago, Bob Riding said:

 

 

I assume you took it to a radiator shop and had them clean it out or did you do the work?

 

Yes that is correct. This is a job that requires particular equipment I just don't have. The end result is well worth it. And the vast majority of locations have a good radiator shop. I also have kept away from fully aluminum radiators and much prefer the old copper ones

Edited May 19, 2023 by Semmerling

[Hickory]

Boy I'm digging the 6 blade fan. I might want one. My rad is the front of my car so the only mod I will be able to do is a slightly larger fan and more blades.  Nice engine.

[Bob Riding]

On 5/18/2023 at 4:30 AM, Semmerling said:

 

 

Edited May 19, 2023 by Bob Riding
duplicate

[capt den]

Bob, i think we talked about the 6 blade fan. is it 2 inches or less deep? the fan on my 265 is very close to the rad. is it no more than 18 1/2 inches from tip to tip? it may fit my engine.let me know if these measurements will work for me.   dennis 

[Bob Riding]

16 hours ago, capt den said:

Bob, i think we talked about the 6 blade fan. is it 2 inches or less deep? the fan on my 265 is very close to the rad. is it no more than 18 1/2 inches from tip to tip? it may fit my engine.let me know if these measurements will work for me.   dennis 

Dennis,

I just measured mine and it is 17" diameter and about 1 7/8" deep.

[Go Fleiter]

very nicely restored engine!

 

  Greetings from Düsseldorf!

Go

[Dan Hiebert]

The original equipment radiator cap was 7lbs.  Pressurized cooling systems are intended to allow for a wider coolant temperature operating range, so your car can run hotter than one with a non-pressurized system without venting coolant.  The adverse effect of too high a pressure cap is too much heat deteriorating components that the heat and pressure combination would then cause to fail, more so hoses and other rubber components.  Not so much the freeze plugs.  The original radiators in these cars were also not intended / designed to withstand a lot of pressure.    If the Champion radiator folks have included a 13lb cap, then it stands to reason their unit is engineered for 13lbs.  With modern materials in new hoses and such, you will have no problems with running that 13 lbs. cap.

[Plymouthy Adams]

On 5/19/2023 at 7:33 PM, capt den said:

Bob, i think we talked about the 6 blade fan. is it 2 inches or less deep? the fan on my 265 is very close to the rad. is it no more than 18 1/2 inches from tip to tip? it may fit my engine.let me know if these measurements will work for me.   dennis 

 

I sent a PM and am not sure if you activate PM notices on your account.....it is still unread.