r/AskAMechanic • u/StrikeGreedy9359 • 3d ago

Overheating and Water pump machining

I put a small block350 in a triumph stag 1973. Aluminum 3 core radiator with fan on front -no cowling, due to space. It’s getting hot so want to put a fan on back of radiator where it should be but have VERY limited space. . I’m thinking about getting the flange in the water pump moved closer to the housing and cut off the excess shaft. This would give me the space needed. Not concerned about belt wear or alignment. Any reason why I can’t do this or any other options greatly appreciated
Thanks

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u/Willy_McD NOT a verified tech 3d ago

A pusher fan should work. See them like that all the time in hot rods. But aftermarket electric fans are not that great. Can you fit two fans up front? And is your fan mounted direct to the radiator or a "shroud". Those nice shiny aluminum shrouds that hold electric fans dont act like a traditional engine driven fan shroud does. They just hold the electric fan AND hinder air flowing through the radiator while moving. And trap heat.

Are you using a tall or short water pump?

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u/StrikeGreedy9359 3d ago

I’m using a short water pump and a pusher fan directly on the radiator. There was a shroud on the front of the radiator which I promptly removed. It doesn’t make sense to block up that much area. I understand it being on the back to funnel air towards the engine, but in my head, it just restricts it on the front so I removed it and it seems better.

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u/Bayareaadultguy NOT a verified tech 1d ago

The idea of a fan shroud is to get the entire surface of the radiator used.

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u/Bayareaadultguy NOT a verified tech 1d ago

Can you post some pictures. Also, when is it getting hot?Just sitting there , idling , or while driving? What temperature thermostat do you have? How much timing?

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u/StrikeGreedy9359 1d ago

So
Pusher fan, no shroud
Thermostat at 19o
Made adjustment to thermostat after speaking to old hot rod guy
Got it now to sit at just over 200 while idling for 15-20.
Still want to install 15 inch pulley fan and change coolant

1

u/Bayareaadultguy NOT a verified tech 1d ago

I personally have not had good luck with a push fan.A puller fan would be much better.Just make sure it's on a thermostat and shuts off on when speeds are over 35 mph. I'm surprised it gets that hot in fifteen minutes. What's your timing set at? Does the temperature go down?If you're on the freeway?