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Radiator Size

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jonbbrew, Dec 9, 2020.

  1. Dec 9, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
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    739
    Hello all,

    As i about have my rig back on the road, i am looking down the road at other improvement projects. I have the 198 motor with a non-CJ5 grill. The PO installed a larger radiator that extends past the grill thingy (sorry i am not remembering the term for it) that funnels the air to the rad. I also see other V6 motors that have smaller rads so i am wondering if getting a more proper fitting rad would make it more able to overheat? I am thinking this to also add the rods that are missing but with this radiator blocks that possibility. Jeep Motor Front.jpg
     
    timgr and 47v6 like this.
  2. Dec 9, 2020
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
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    My rad with my 225 was oversized. It made the cooling system have larger fluctuations in temperature than is right.. so its not about overheating sometimes as much as not dropping 10 degrees or more when the thermostat opens.
     
  3. Dec 9, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
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    12,367
    It seems to me that the part of the core that is blocked, i.e. having no air flow would be more problematic than a smaller radiator that receives good air flow across all of the core.
     
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  4. Dec 9, 2020
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    It looks like you have a 4 cylinder grill installed and that’s why the radiator has the overhang. Depending on what you plan to use the Jeep for, installing a 4 cylinder radiator may create a constant overheating/ temperature flux situation. Can you source a V6 grill to make the radiator fit and function properly?
     
  5. Dec 9, 2020
    Richard in AZ

    Richard in AZ I just don't understand the like of patina

    PHX AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2016
    Messages:
    142
    I have a 66 V6 model with the smaller radiator with shroud and a 70 V6 model with the larger radiator and no shroud. The temp in the 70 model will climb in the AZ summer when idling at at stop light.

    I have no overheating issues with the 66 model.

    Richard
     
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  6. Dec 9, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
    Messages:
    556
    Do you remember I dealt with this on my '63? Same engine and grill setup. Champion radiator fit almost perfectly with just a bit of minor, minor fab work.

    198 V6 Overheating
     
    Jonbbrew likes this.
  7. Dec 9, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
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    Now I do. I don’t have a shroud so I imagine that’s helping your cooling with a smaller rad?
     
  8. Dec 9, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
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    I think so, yup! coolant flush, new thermostat, hoses and she's cool as a cucumber.
     
  9. Dec 9, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
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    Guess I need to first find a shroud to fit. I’m not having overheating issues as it’s more of a vanity thing.
     
  10. Dec 10, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
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    I’ve done all those things too. Again so far it looks good on temp but I haven’t really got it rolling with speed and load. Just getting back on all four.
     
  11. Dec 10, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
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    739
    Anyone have ideas for possibly sourcing a fan shroud knowing I have a Grammy Jeep?
    I would like to go down that route first before spending on smaller radiator.
     
  12. Dec 10, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
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    My 2 cents: I would never put in a smaller radiator. That would be very much counter productive if you are actually really going to use the Jeep. Even your current mounting would be better than the F head version. I don't know what your fabricating skills are but it would not be too difficult to make a new radiator mounting from the grill shell back but a newer V6 grill would be the easy path. And most definitely put a shroud on it. They make a big difference.
     
  13. Dec 10, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
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    I've got a 4 cyl grill on the '63 build I'm doing, but also have access to a V6 one. Not sure which way I'll end up putting it together, but Duffer is right - never put a smaller radiator in.

    I plan on opening the 4 cyl grill on a larger radiator as a first step and see how things line up (I change them and mount to the crossmember anyhow - get the weight off the grill and fenders).

    If that does not work, I may either merge the two (air flow section on the V6 to the 4 cyl) or see if I can fix the base V6 one enough to work... Its not in as good of shape as the 4 cyl one is.
     
  14. Dec 10, 2020
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    those support rods can add some structural rigidity, but are kind of a pain to work around.
     
  15. Dec 10, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
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    556
    Just fyi, the radiator I put in mine is a 3-core aluminum radiator for a 225 V6. aka "not smaller", in fact, it's probably a bit oversized for the 198 I'm running? [shrug]. it replaced the 4 cylinder setup I had in there, and has been working well for quite a few trips.
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2020
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