Bottom radiator hose question

[burdar]

The fan being half in and half out of the shroud is correct.  I think running the overflow hose to the other side of the car is a good idea.  That will let you see if it really is coming out the overflow or if there is a leak somewhere else.  That's easy enough to do.

[Gus cuda]

Thx Burdar, havta give it a try

[4Cruizn]

I still think that you need a spring in the bottom hose to prevent it from causing issues.   

[Chryco Psycho]

the spring is never a bad idea , a rolled coat hanger will work also , as a spring , generally this helps at higher rpm where the water pump can flatten the hose , sitting traffic it will not make a difference

[Gus cuda]

Ok folks, got an update for you all. After moving my overflow hose and driving the car I found out I do indeed have a leaking rad. Looks to be in the bottom left/front of it. Now where should I go from here? Get this one recored? Or look into a new replacement? I would like to keep it stock looking, but am more concerned with getting this right the first time. We all know that every time we pull stuff apart there is always chances for damage. As always, thanks for any replys!

[jhaag]

If you think the radiator is in good shape other than a small leak. Take it to a reputable radiator shop have it checked, and repaired, and put it back in. If it is an original 40 year old, be prepared for them to find other issues.

[burdar]

If the core is good, but the tank is leaking it shouldn't cost you much to have it fixed. If the core is leaking, expect a minimum of $400 for a recore.

[blown motor]

If it's just a hole in the core they should be able to solder it. No need for a recore. I was reinstalling my shroud and a screw went on an angle and into a tube    I took it a rad shop, he had it fixed in a couple minutes and didn't charge me. 

[Gus cuda]

Ok so I guess I will try taking it to a shop and see what they say. If the rad checks out to have other issues, I will be buying a new one. Looking around I am seeing oem appearing repops for around $400, and champion brand replacements are about half that, but are aluminum and don't look original. Any experience with either of these choices? I want to stick with the mechanical fan set-up and shroud, and do not want to do a lot of "hacking"! Thx for the help so far!

[cudabob496]

Ok so I guess I will try taking it to a shop and see what they say. If the rad checks out to have other issues, I will be buying a new one. Looking around I am seeing oem appearing repops for around $400, and champion brand replacements are about half that, but are aluminum and don't look original. Any experience with either of these choices? I want to stick with the mechanical fan set-up and shroud, and do not want to do a lot of "hacking"! Thx for the help so far!

aluminum cool better, and you can paint the top black so it won't stand out.

[Gus cuda]

Ok folks, got another update. I broke down and bought a new repop 26 inch, 3 row brass/copper rad, put the factory shroud back on, and installed a 180* stat. Also had a new sending unit installed for the temp guage along with a new bottom rad hose with a spring. Well now she is running a little hot, reading about 2/3- 3/4 up on the gauge, never went over 1/2 way up gauge before all these new parts. Filled rad with 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. When at idle the car never goes over 1/3 up the guage, but as soon as i put as i start to drive it go up near the 3/4 mark and hang around there. My mechanic thinks maybe the new stat is not opening when it should, because when i idle it with the cap off the flow across the top of the rad isnt very fast. I also had some coolant come out of the overflow hose yesterday as i was pulling into my driveway. Any thoughts on what could be going on now? Could there be air in the system? This thing gonna drive me nuts! Thx for the continued replys!

[dodj]

So it sounds like nobody is worried about my hose not having the spring?

The spring actually can reduce coolant flow, impairing cooling ability. Hoses without the spring are preferred.

[Aussie Challenger]

The spring actually can reduce coolant flow, impairing cooling ability. Hoses without the spring are preferred.

Sorry to disagree but the spring does not restrict the flow of water it is there to stop the hose collapsing and a good thing to have.
You have changed many things at once so it is a bit harder to pin down what is the problem but it could be the thermostat but have you tried refitting the original sending unit. A trap for those not familiar is to over tighten them when installing and crushing the internals.   

[tman]

Where did you get your radiator?

[cudabob496]

I'd get an aftermarket temp gauge.  If you are running say around 200, that
not bad at all.