195.6 OHV cooling system...

I just drove my '63 American from Los Angeles to Wendover, Utah, roundabout, some 900 miles. It has a standard two-row radiator (new in 2007), though it does have two electric fans controlled by a small computer (but all that does is smartly slow the fans when they're not fully needed, doesn't improve cooling).

Engine has a 180 degree thermostat. 99% of the time it ran a hair under 180, going by the Stewart-Warner electric gauge I added to the head. Climbed many 7000 foot peaks, 90 degree weather. Peak temperature reached was maybe 190.

no town or landmark near this photo (sorta near Currant, NV). paste into googleearth: 38°49’20.56″N, 115°20’48.78″W


Worst thing I did with the car is climb Wendover Peak, 5047 ft; climbed 1000 feet in 2, 3 miles. It was 95 degrees or more, in first gear, steep enough it almost stalled. I guess I torqued the rear axle hubs OK! Same difference -- 190 on the gauge.


I declare that the little factory radiator is far more than adequate for this car. Overheating would mean a problem. Done and done.



paste this into googleearth: 40°45'11.32"N, 114° 1'11.44"W



Edited by tomj - Aug/03/2012 at 3:41am

  The Japanese had the mirrors out on the fenders because by their road laws mirrors had to be in view thru the windshield area swept by the windshield wipers.

Sweet little hardtop! Keep it going! My goodness, you couldn't keep an engine much cooler than that; plus you have lots of margin for more heat-assuming you are using 50/50 coolant mix and a pressure cap!

Is that a Dodge Ram hood ornament? Fits the persona of the car perfectly!


Edited by ramblinrev - Aug/03/2012 at 11:36am

I would say going up 10* to 190* you are ok. Any thing going up them hills would make the temp go up as you are making the motor work harder and that means more heat.

On any stat I change out I drill an 1/8" hole to let air pass thru when the system is first filled so it will not puke when the stat opens.