Auto Tech Race Car Cooling systems - Circle Track Magazine

Cooling systems for a racecar are always an important part of making and finishing the show. As the hot, dog days of summer roll in, cooling systems (especially the radiator) become even more important. If the radiator fails, you fail. Sometimes, radiator failure may be due to something as simple as a clamp that wasn't put on properly or a hose that breaks. Whatever the cause, radiator failure has race-ending ramifications for any racer. With that in mind, Circle Track decided to take a look at the basic techniques of radiator installation.

In this case the radiator will be mounted on a 1- x 2-inch square-tubing rail. This method eliminates the need for a saddle to be fabricated. Mounting to the square tubing is achieved by welding aluminum studs to the bottom of the radiator. Corresponding holes are drilled into the tubing. Note that the studs receive shock-absorbing material that provides a cushion between the radiator and the tubing.

In this case the radiator will be mounted on a 1- x 2-inch square-tubing rail. This method

Although there are many ways to skin this cat, we decided to look at a late-model stock type install. Throughout the process, we learned a few techniques and tips that may be of assistance to you.

As a quick overview on radiators, it's important to note that if you have special needs regarding a unique size or outlet location for your radiator, many manufacturers can accommodate those special needs. Otherwise, radiators in standard sizes and outlet configurations are readily available from many high-performance parts warehouses.

Follow along as we go through a basic radiator installation procedure.

The radiator is then dropped into place. Using this method can expedite installation and removal of a radiator.

The radiator is then dropped into place. Using this method can expedite installation and r
Once the radiator is in place, the fabricated upper-support mount is set. In this example, the mount is a Z-shaped piece that is held into place with screws. The Z shape of the mount allows the screws to be placed securely in the upper square tubing. This support mount also helps close the radiator cowl system for maximum airflow. If the racing is being done on a dirt track, a thread adhesive should be used on the screw.

Once the radiator is in place, the fabricated upper-support mount is set. In this example,
You can save a lot of trouble by making sure none of the outlets conflict with any other units in the car. As you can see in this example, the oil-cooling outlet was given sufficient space to clear the power-steering unit. Checking your outlet clearance can prevent such a conflict. Most manufacturers have the capacity to provide a variety of locations on some outlets, to prevent this kind of problem.

You can save a lot of trouble by making sure none of the outlets conflict with any other u

Many racers use external surge tanks, and in this case, that is the system being used. The next step in this procedure is the connection of this tank. Note that the overflow tube just under the radiator cap has been plugged. Another outlet has been placed at the top of the water tank, so a line can be attached to the external tank.

Many racers use external surge tanks, and in this case, that is the system being used. The
The tank is mounted higher than the radiator to ensure that air finds its way out. The return of the surge tank is connected to the top of the water pump so the water to the surge is recirculated. Surge tanks obviously provide a way to increase the total water volume in the cooling system.

The tank is mounted higher than the radiator to ensure that air finds its way out. The ret
Now the bottom water line is connected. The hosing used here is 1 3/4-inch rubber flex hose with a steel spring through it. The hose is held in place with standard screw clamps. It is highly recommended that two screw clamp units be used in race car engines.

Now the bottom water line is connected. The hosing used here is 1 3/4-inch rubber flex hos

Next, the upper hose is attached to the radiator. In this case, a No. 16 braided-steel hose with Aeroquip fittings is used.

Next, the upper hose is attached to the radiator. In this case, a No. 16 braided-steel hos
The other end of the upper radiator hose is mounted to the engine.
In this example, an external oil-cooler unit is used. At this point, it's put into place, and the lines are connected. This oil cooler is mounted to the sway bar tube and held in place with screw clamps. The oil lines are connected to the block and the oil filtration system.

In this example, an external oil-cooler unit is used. At this point, it's put into place,

The water supply for the oil cooler is via this outlet to the cooler unit. As with the other water lines, this is braided-steel hose with Aeroquip fittings. Extreme pressure lubricant is recommended for use on threads for the radiator fittings.

The water supply for the oil cooler is via this outlet to the cooler unit. As with the oth
For added safety, make sure the radiator cap is safety-wired. This is achieved by drilling a small hole in the cap.

For added safety, make sure the radiator cap is safety-wired. This is achieved by drilling
Finally, the wire is threaded through the cap and, using a safety-wire-clamping tool, the cap is firmly wired. The radiator cap used here is a 22- to 24-pound cap. Caps with a pressure rating of 16 to 24 pounds are standard in race cars.

Finally, the wire is threaded through the cap and, using a safety-wire-clamping tool, the

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Basic Radiator Installation Techniques And Tips