Need help keeping my '66 cool

SatelliteSammy · Jun 30, 2019

Hey everyone!

I've been posting on a B body group on facebook but people are rude there, someone said they hope my car burns down.

I have a 66 Satellite with a 383 and it constantly runs hot. It stays cool enough on the freeway but the second I sit at a red light the needle starts rising. I've heard it's pretty typical for a big block but something needs to happen, I can't drive it for longer than half an hour right now. Planning on starting with a better water pump, radiator recore and thermostat.

Should that be enough to keep it cool? Should I look into a fan shroud/any recommendations?

Thanks for the help!

slepr1 · Jun 30, 2019

What do you mean by 'constantly runs hot'? What temp are you getting, what thermostat are you running?

steve340 · Jun 30, 2019

Start with the radiator and the thermostat they must be in good working condition.
The engine is putting more energy in to the cooling system on the freeway than at idle. The difference is the airflow at speed.
Re-core the radiator and sort any mechanical issues first.
I fit electric fans because they run at high speed when the engine is idling and do nothing at speed when the engine is just wasting power driving a mechanical fan.

Darter6 · Jun 30, 2019

If the engine has not been freshened and has been in the car since 1966,think about removing the core plugs(Freeze plugs) and see how much gunk is in the block.Clean and flush.I scrape with a hooked coat hanger. You will be amazed what comes out.
Forgot to say most guys here are really nice and very helpful.Welcome !

Fran Blacker · Jun 30, 2019

Is it a 22 inch radiator? You might try a 26 inch radiator but opening may need to be opened up. Back flushing system after removing thermostat could help. Is there a thermostat installed? It's a must. Use only anti-freeze and distilled water. Is engine timing ok?

1967coronet440 · Jun 30, 2019

What size radiator? Shroud? Engine? Horsepower?

Need lots of answers to help

Lionized · Jun 30, 2019

If you're not running a shroud, find one. Also ensure your pulleys are all correct.

It could also be running lean or the timing not advanced enough. Both contribute to our cars running hot.

Jerry Hall · Jun 30, 2019

SatelliteSammy said:
Hey everyone!

I've been posting on a B body group on facebook but people are rude there, someone said they hope my car burns down.

I have a 66 Satellite with a 383 and it constantly runs hot. It stays cool enough on the freeway but the second I sit at a red light the needle starts rising. I've heard it's pretty typical for a big block but something needs to happen, I can't drive it for longer than half an hour right now. Planning on starting with a better water pump, radiator recore and thermostat.

Should that be enough to keep it cool? Should I look into a fan shroud/any recommendations?

Thanks for the help!

Don't spend all that at one time. This is a typical problem and more than likely the radiator is about stopped up. Start by flushing everything out. If that doesn't work, address the radiator first. A good radiator shop can tell you if it just needs a rodding and cleaning or a recore. With the radiator ready to go, replace the thermostat at the same time. A stock 66 Satellite with a 383, would be a 22" radiator and a fixed 4 blade fan and no shroud. I would use a 160 degree thermostat. In my opinion the water pump is doing its job. I had the same problem on my Superbird and all it needed was a radiator rodding and cleaning and as a precaution replacement thermostat.

BeeKool · Jun 30, 2019

Welcome back. This is the best forum.
Sound like a bunch of ******** on FB.

The above post is a good one. I might add to Jerry's opinion: make sure the radiator hoses are good. And also the fan belts. These parts are easily replaced with Napa or O'Reillys.

Fran Blacker · Jun 30, 2019

If there is a lot of green stains on outside of radiator could be a problem.

69a100 · Jun 30, 2019

Has it been more then 2 years since the system was last flushed? Has that been done on a regular basis every 2 years?
How old's the T-stat, do you know what degree is in there now? Should be a 180*.
Start easy, if it hasn't been flushed, start there with a new T-stat. If it's super rusty red water, now you have to dig deeper to see how bad the internals are in the radiator. Good Luck

dan juhasz · Jun 30, 2019

Your comment that it runs cool enough on the highway indicates that the radiator is NOT a likely cause of your trouble. If the radiator was restricted it would run hotter at highway speeds and behave better at lower rpm around town. My guess without knowing all the details is that the fan is not correct for the car, or operating without a shroud to direct airflow through the radiator at lower speeds. How far the fan is from the radiator also plays a roll in its effectiveness. At highway speeds you don't need a fan or a shroud there is sufficient airflow naturally. It at low speeds or stuck it traffic that fans and shrouds come into play. Stick with the recommended thermostat for the car, taking out the thermostat allows the hot water to pass through the radiator too quickly not giving the radiator a chance to dissipate the heat. Wouldn't hurt to check the water pump to make sure there is no issue with the impellers.

YY1 · Jun 30, 2019

pics might help

how often are you putting water in it?

is it all stock?

oldbee · Jun 30, 2019

Besides all the above good ideas, you could have an impeller that’s slipping in the w/p. Happens rarely, but just something to think about. Definitely a shroud will help& 7-blade fan.

Ranger16 · Jun 30, 2019

My car ran similarly when I got it. I found a factory recommended 190° thermostat in it. Swapped it out for a 180° and installed a fan shroud. Problem solved.

Need help keeping my '66 cool

SatelliteSammy

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slepr1

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steve340

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Darter6

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Fran Blacker

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1967coronet440

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Lionized

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Jerry Hall

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BeeKool

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Fran Blacker

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69a100

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dan juhasz

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YY1

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oldbee

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Ranger16

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