Cooling modifications - what worked for you?

[dodge freak 2]

Heck if you can live without the A/C for a while why not spend $10 and get one belt (you will need to measure for length) and by pass the A/C unit so the belt is on 1/2 of the pulley and see if that helps.

It sure looks to me those two belts are not making enough contact with the water pump pulley. Sure it will spin but it may be slipping as well. 

[IMNCARN82]

Wish there was a better picture but for what it looks like is the belts are just touching a 1/4 (if that) of the water pump pulley. With the drag of the water pump and fan it might very well be slipping at any rpms.

Or the wrong dia.? 

[dodge freak 2]

Might be both...the pump and fan puts much drag on the pulley. I would like to see if I could turn the water pump pulley by hand like how it is now. Seems likely, if so its slipping for sure.

Even putting a wench on one of the fan bolts you should not be able to turn just the water pump pulley or it should be very hard to move even a tiny bit.

[IMNCARN82]

I run the March 6 V     Just an alt. though.

[ShelbyDogg]

Hmmm, interesting.  On my stock small blocks with A/c, It's Crank, alt, A/C, with the water pump and power steering belt as one. Always 3/4 of that water pump pulley is belted.

I have a rebuilt 340 in a corner of my garage, maybe I'll hook it up to my engine stand and check some temps.

[Aussie Challenger]

     There is definetly not enough belt wrap on the water pump pulley, the fan and pump use quite a bit of HP to run. If not convinced buy a matched belt set which by passes the A/C compressor and check.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I think you guys have hit on something. Last year I tried putting some fancy aftermarket fan belts on, just because they were red in color.     No matter how tight they were, the power steering belt would squeal above 2500 RPM. The car also ran a little hotter. The only thing I could figure was they didn't sit down far enough down in the pulley groove, so they slipped. I went back to stock belts and all problems disappeared.

[miketyler]

I did see a slight improvement in temps when I put the new longer alt bracket on and increased belt tension. I always considered the marginal belt contact ok because there were twin belts. Both pulling the WP thru and each one has its own friction "slip point". FWIW, it never squeals, maybe because of the clear coated pulley?

I will try by passing the AC. I really liked the look of the setup but if its contributive to my problem its getting the boot! 

[dodge freak 2]

You might be able to run one belt on the A/C and one by passing the A/C. Get a few belts--they come in 1/2 inch lengths, 43, 43 1/2, 44, 44 1/2 inches etc. Take a rope right now and measure to get a rough idea and then go shopping. Don't forget belts stretch the first few days but once stretch you may find you can run both belts. Believe the A/C should be good with one belt, same with the water pump.   

[ntstlgl1970]

IMO Running a fixed fan, the belt should be tight enough so that you can move the crankshaft both directions using the fan blade as a lever. (really) Even cars with no engine driven fan have much more belt engagement than what you have.

[IMNCARN82]

340's 30 over run hot.         I'll let you know what happens with the new rad.I know this car extremely well,And keep a very close eye on it.Hope it helps,I'll notice it if it does.     So... How high up in the factory gauge does it get?   I like your look too... But chrome don't get ya' home sometimes.    Personally I think a 340 bored out anything will make it run hot.It's a performance engine.The walls get thinner.    

[miketyler]

I pulled the AC belt and installed a new smaller belt on the water pump with no change. Temps were mild here today in the mid to upper 80's and tems still hovered between 205 and 210. Belt was tight enough to turn the crank with.

I would be delighted if I could get this thing to stay in the 190-200* band but as it is and with ouside air temps on the decline, I am likely to start driving it more.

[ntstlgl1970]

Crap, I know that wasn't the result you were looking for.  There isn't a whole bunch left to check.....

[dodge freak 2]

I give up 

Time to sell and buy sometimes different, its cursed!

[IMNCARN82]

monkey muffins    

That pic looks better. But still no change.Could the pulley be the wrong size?    I have a 9 blade W/P, 180* stat.    I didn't have one in before,Had the cap off,Running.Gave it a little gas and had old faithful out in the driveway! WoW!      I was thinking of running an electric W/P( ? )  Still waiting on that BC rad.        Mine runs that hot. :dunno:How far up the factory temp. gauge does it get? Where are you getting these temps. from?    Mech./Elec.?  Aftermarket? Just for the sake of asking...what kind of oil you run? I get better results with Rotella. And am thinking of getting a 2X oil filter relo kit.And an oil cooler,Deeper pan soon. Wait till' dusk and go out for a cruise.Cooler days are coming.You'll get it. And you aren't the only one. Stay cool! R/T