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Determining the right heat exchanger

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briang0

Regular Contributor
"My engine is currently 1/2 fr

"My engine is currently 1/2 fresh water cooled. Because of the limited availabilty of exhaust manifolds for the engine ,Chevy 409, I am thinking about going full fresh water cooled to make the manifolds last longer. My current heat exchanger is approx 18" wide and the lower tank is 5" in diameter. Would this be able to do the job or will I need to go larger? Is there a formula to determine this? Right now the engine runs cool with the way it is. I thought I was going to be able to adapt a different manifold but the machine shop says it is not going to happen so back to the drawing board. Is it possible to tell how much life is left in a manifold? I have attached a picture of my current heat exchanger.
145795.jpg
"
 
"Ayuh,......

I'd Think

"Ayuh,......

I'd Think you'd need a heat exchanger Atleast Twice that size,....
And,.....
I know of No non-destructive ways of determining How Long the manifolds Might last....."
 
"The size of the unit looks ab

"The size of the unit looks about the same as the later model fully cooled version, Crusader used the same capacity cooler for both types of cooling systems but the fittings were different. If you can work that out you should be OK. Regarding the manifolds, take them off and look at them. This won't tell you for sure that they are good, but it can tell you for sure if they are bad. If they haven't been off in a while, they are due for some cleaning and fresh gaskets. Plus, you don;t want to get halfway through the season and come down with "Al Lombardi Syndrome". Although Al now has the tool for removing manifolds and I'm sure he'd be happy to lend it to you."
 
"And be sure to use a metal pl

"And be sure to use a metal plate to back up that FWC exhaust manifold gasket (that does NOT have the hole in it). If not, the gasket can leak and let the coolant leak out on you.

Jeff

PS: I'm with Rick on the sizing. Should work."
 
"Hi Brian,

Rick is right..H

"Hi Brian,

Rick is right..He and Bondo convinced me that the right tool for the job is always a better route."
 
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