I bought a Gates thermostat, and yes, I will probably replace the belts this weekend, HOPEFULLY, this weekend! I do alot of vide editing and filming on weekends so time is tight!

Replace the belts first. While the belts are out of the way check the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump (shaft support) and see if there is any sign of seepage. You can get a water pump at many parts stores and almost surely at NAPA. They usually list from 62 up but still Y-Blocks. Its also a good time to replace the thermostat and don't go cheap on them. Buy a decent quality it will last longer. My grandson's BMW takes a new cheap thermostat yearly! Spending the extra cash makes a difference here! Most auto performance shops or parts stores either have a selection of flex fans or a catalog listing for them. Measure the diameter of the existing fan and see if they offer one 1/2" smaller. The universal fans are usually slotted to fit most 4 bolt applications. You could also take your old fan along to the wrecking yards and compare to what they have. An early AC fan would be great if you can find one. With the new radiator I don't expect you to see any heat problems. The only other thing you might consider it a fan shroud. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Anyone know of a good source for high quality water pumps for a 312 y-block? I MIGHT need to get one! It's about 9 years old, and "might" be going out. After I got the engine started last night, the pulley area sounded like it was sqeaking. Maybe the belt. Belts are 7 years old.

Actually, that fan is a four-blade one! Good idea on getting a smaller diameter fan! Will it still provide adequate cooling?  (Almost typed "cooking" WE don't want that,LOL!) Who would have one that bolts up to the old bolt holes? The less mods I have to do, the better!! And no, a flex fan WILLL not work! Has to be a metal one.

From the picture it looks like you have a fan with at least one bent blade. That will eventually cause a problem due to vibration. The universal replacement fans are available in different diameters so if you get one you could improve the hose clearance at the same time. I'm not sure if the old Y-Block 5 blade fans are a smaller diameter or not. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

It should work. I just checked the lower hose to fan clearance on my rad and it is about 3/4" .

!/2" clearance should not be a problem. Time will tell. If clearance becomes a problem you could use a smaller diameter fan. Do you know what your fan diameter is. Stock should be 18.25".

Is half an inch clearance between the fan blade and lower rd hose enough?? I sure hope so! FINNALY got the thing in now! Almost done!

The motor should only raise up or down very minimally unless your motor mounts are broke. The rad should only raise up or down minimally as well unless the mounting bolts below your rad U frame are loose or broken or rubber mount is shot. There should be tension on the rad U frame two springs to hold the rubber mount tight.



If you have 1"of clearance between fan and rad hose use the most of that 1" for clearance on your rad hose, that is the area that will move the greatest if engine should shift or you should go through a dip the frame will torque slightly and both motor and radiator hose could move towards each other. The hose would be the loser.



You just need enough clearance with the rad to rad frame to prevent rubbing, 1/8" is sufficient or put a piece of sheet rubber between the rad and rad frame so there is a clearance. Just so its not metal to metal on the lower rad tank to rad frame. Metal to metal will whittle a hole or crack the tank. You need some clearance here or an insulator to protect the lower tank.

marv

There is an ince clearance between the lower radiator hose and the lowest part of the fan blades. I am worried if I hit a good bump, not like I try to! But, would the fan blade cut into that hose?? The engine probably wouldn't go up and down, more like side to side, I assume. MAybe raise the rad up half an inch? Then that will give it half inch clearance from the bottom of the U-fram, half inch from the fan and hose. 

Can you not raise it so there is fan clearance as well lower hose clearance. Or is it the side of the radiator touching the frame. If it is the side of the radiator it will have the mounting bracket between the core and U frame.



I just needs room to not be touching the lower tank. Leave the greater clearance with the lower rad hose.

marv