1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chazdo2 · 03-08-2016, 07:14 PM

This may get a tad lengthy. I bought a beautiful 1971 bronze chevy pickup.. I live in central new York and the truck came from Arizona. The wiring is a mess but getting through it. My biggest problem is this. The engine cooling fan runs all the time as soon as you turn the key. It is not thermostatic controlled. It is also a huge cooling fan on what looks to be a huge racing aluminum high flow radiator. I am sure in Arizona its very practical but not where I am. I need the engine to heat up so I can use the heater most of the year. I put a 190 degree thermostat in it. Temperature never comes up I think because of the fan always running. If I need to thermostat control my cooling system can someone tell me how. Thanks in advance great site!!!

**Jurassic-1** · 03-08-2016, 07:40 PM

You can get an adjustable thermostat at the local parts store. The temp probe can be installed on the radiator fin assy. or some can be put in next to the hose. The temp controls the fan turning on and off. They are fully adjustable and can be run to work with the key off or just when the truck is running. I think they are around $45.

chazdo2 · 03-08-2016, 07:47 PM

Thank you!!!

Andy4639 · 03-08-2016, 11:35 PM

I would trace the fan wires out and see how it's wired first. If it's wired straight to the ignition switch are if it's wired to the fan switch and has soldered closed. Fan's run a lot of amps so if it's been hooked to a small switch with no relay it could be the problem.
Either way though it needs a relay installed and a adjustable thermstate.

El Dorado Jim · 03-09-2016, 12:29 AM

Welcome to the forum, beautiful truck you have!

BCOWANWHEELS · 03-09-2016, 12:43 AM

I,d go with a stock h/d clutched steel fan. I have 0 faith in electric,s. Also 180 thermostat

chazdo2 · 03-09-2016, 08:54 AM

thank you for the compliment about the truck. After having to buy a starter I found this out. The starter for the engine wasn't even close. It just so happened I changed the one on my 1994 and it looked exactly the same. So I bought a starter for a 1994 350 and fit perfectly. So I guess its not a 1971 engine. Its chromed up a little and has an alternator not a generator. I guess that's why the voltage regulator was disconnected. Going to be some tedious wiring work to get it all figured out. Any suggestions from you smarter guys is greatly appreciated!!!

**kwmech** · 03-09-2016, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS

I,d go with a stock h/d clutched steel fan. I have 0 faith in electric,s. Also 180 thermostat

I'm with you on that.

03-08-2016, 07:14 PM	#1
chazdo2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: auburn new york Posts: 71	1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions This may get a tad lengthy. I bought a beautiful 1971 bronze chevy pickup.. I live in central new York and the truck came from Arizona. The wiring is a mess but getting through it. My biggest problem is this. The engine cooling fan runs all the time as soon as you turn the key. It is not thermostatic controlled. It is also a huge cooling fan on what looks to be a huge racing aluminum high flow radiator. I am sure in Arizona its very practical but not where I am. I need the engine to heat up so I can use the heater most of the year. I put a 190 degree thermostat in it. Temperature never comes up I think because of the fan always running. If I need to thermostat control my cooling system can someone tell me how. Thanks in advance great site!!! Attached Images

03-08-2016, 07:40 PM	#2
Jurassic-1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New River Arizona Posts: 1,180	Re: 1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions You can get an adjustable thermostat at the local parts store. The temp probe can be installed on the radiator fin assy. or some can be put in next to the hose. The temp controls the fan turning on and off. They are fully adjustable and can be run to work with the key off or just when the truck is running. I think they are around $45.

03-08-2016, 07:47 PM	#3
chazdo2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: auburn new york Posts: 71	Re: 1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions Thank you!!!

03-08-2016, 11:35 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: 1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions I would trace the fan wires out and see how it's wired first. If it's wired straight to the ignition switch are if it's wired to the fan switch and has soldered closed. Fan's run a lot of amps so if it's been hooked to a small switch with no relay it could be the problem. Either way though it needs a relay installed and a adjustable thermstate. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-09-2016, 12:29 AM	#5
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: 1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions Welcome to the forum, beautiful truck you have!

03-09-2016, 12:43 AM	#6
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: 1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions I,d go with a stock h/d clutched steel fan. I have 0 faith in electric,s. Also 180 thermostat __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

03-09-2016, 08:54 AM	#7
chazdo2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: auburn new york Posts: 71	Re: 1971 Chevy pickup cooling questions thank you for the compliment about the truck. After having to buy a starter I found this out. The starter for the engine wasn't even close. It just so happened I changed the one on my 1994 and it looked exactly the same. So I bought a starter for a 1994 350 and fit perfectly. So I guess its not a 1971 engine. Its chromed up a little and has an alternator not a generator. I guess that's why the voltage regulator was disconnected. Going to be some tedious wiring work to get it all figured out. Any suggestions from you smarter guys is greatly appreciated!!!



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