Kevin,
It's normal for temperature to jump up when you slow down. Less air is
coming through the radiator. But it indicates that you can make some
improvements.
First (and easiest) thing I would try is replacing the fan with a
6-blade flex-a-lite aftermarket fan. This will do two things: increase
airflow to better cool the engine, and avoid the potential grief of losing a
fan blade due to metal fatigue in the original fan blades. Use one of the
rigid fans, not the razor-sharp stainless blade models. Try to get the
deepest pitch you can find, even if it means using a fan with less diameter
than the original model. But deeper pitch means more chance for interference
with pulleys, so you may have to try a few different models.
My manuals don't show any provision for a transmission cooler on the
Hydramatic, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can't or hasn't been done.
Radiator technology has improved a lot since 1955 but if your original
radiator is in good shape, it should be adequate.
I just checked CNN, they say temp in Boise was 102 yesterday! You
probably won't have the same problem in a couple of months.
Jack Halton
51 GMC 1/2 ton
Winter Park FL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Acker" <kevack@micron.net>
To: <oletrucks-digest@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2000 8:30 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] Heat Questions-1955 GMC
> Hello folks, this is my first real post to the group.
> I have a stock 1955 GMC suburban pickup(cameo) with the original big 6
> cylinder, 4 speed hyrdomatic and original rear end. I took the truck on
> it's longest trip this weekend(45 miles one way). During the trip my gas
> pedal foot was getting very hot, almost uncomfortable. The temp gauge
> was at 190 most of the way. I was driving at 55 mph all the way. The
> rear end gearing kind of mandates that. When I pulled off the freeway
> the temp jumped up to 200. After getting home and parking it she pegged
> at 220. I normally don't intend to take long trips with the truck, just
> short 20-45 miles trips. I have been thinking about putting down some
> padding with foil on each side toward the firewall ahd tranny area.
> Should I worry about the temp on the tranny? Should I or can I run a
> tranny cooler? Has any one placed a fan shroud on their 55?
> Should I consider a aftermarket electric fan to run after the truck is
> shut off to keep the temp down? Should I consider replacing the
> radiator(in good working condition)?
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin Acker
> Boise, Idaho
>
>
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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