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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58 |
My 1952 Styleline Deluxe has a 1954 adjustable lifter engine with a 162 degree thermostat. During the summer months when the outdoor temps are 80 degrees and above, the temp gauge registers midway between the middle mark and high at 50 MPH. However, during stop and go traffic and climbing hills, the needle will creep up to the "H" on the gauge. At no time has the engine overheated to the point where I can hear it cooking. During the winter months the needle registers at the middle mark or slightly above. is it normal for a 52 temp gauge to register higher when hooked up to a 54 engine or is something else causing the higher readings?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The late 1951 and all 1952 cars with standard transmissions had the tube spacing increased in the radiator core to conserve copper/brass. They then used a 4 pound prseeure cap to raise the boiling point.
The 1954 radiator is the same demensions as a 1951 but had more tubes and a greater cooling ability for the larger 235 engine.I would suspect yhat you have a combination of a partly pluged core and an undersized core. If it were my car I would find radiator form a 1953 or 1954 car, have it cleaned and install it.a
After 1954 if you purchased a new radiator core for a 1949-1952 they sold you a 1954 core.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58 |
Hi Gene,
Upon rereading my post I forgot to mention that my 52 has a Powerglide transmission with the heavier duty radiator. I suspect your diagnosis of a partly plugged radiator core is correct. However, since the radiator has no leaks and coolant has never been forced out the overflow during the three years , and 3,000 miles I have driven it, I am reluctant to pull the radiator and incur a $400.00 to $500.00 expense without being certain that is the problem. in addition at age 87 and no longer having my shop, I have to depend on others to do the work. What do you think about installing 6 volt cooling fan to the outside of the radiator that I can switch on when the temp starts to rise in stop and go traffic. I know this is a bandage fix but this a driver and not a show car that I seldom drive when the outside temps are 80 degrees and above. These fans are approximately $65.00. In the past I installed them on my tow vehicles and they proved quite effective.
Fred Serfass
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