MCI radiators

[lvmci]

Hi RJ, great to hear from you, wish you could come to that Dam Rally. Yes, my bus came with the 8V92TA. One radiator is still original. Getting both recored, I was hoping I could add an additional row on insides, adding more cooling, thanks Clifford & warrior true words, I had thoughts about fabricating a shroud funnel from radiator to squirrel cage fan shroud, to increase airflow also, tom...

[windtrader]

Humm, great topic. Since the PO and mechanic were quite knowledgeable, and not having any other occasion as yet to question anything, I assumed to rad fans do work. They do seem to when I have used them. Temps don't climb once they are on. As the weather heads into the cooler seasons, I'll put in on the to do list and think about running an experiment or two. I'm thinking of taking one fan off and placing a thermistor inside the return hose on each side and comparing them. Fairly simple way to determine the true difference. Thanks, Don

[RJ]

I had thoughts about fabricating a shroud funnel from radiator to squirrel cage fan shroud, to increase airflow also. . .

Tom -

Might want to rethink that idea a little.  When the rad and blower compartment is sealed properly, you've got a big plenum chamber that the squirrel cages pull from.  The air doesn't just enter the blowers from the radiator side, air is drawn from all four sides of the cages.  A funnel may direct the airflow, increasing it's velocity in the process, but at the same time reduce the volume of air going thru the blowers.  As an analogy, think of the difference when adding oil to the engine between using a funnel and pouring directly from the gallon jug.

As I said earlier, we're kinda bummed about not making the Dam Rally this year, too.  However, this is Pat's year to do the turkey for Turkey Day, so we won't be leaving the PNW until Sat or Sun after.  Maybe even Monday, to miss the weekend revelers and crowds.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[lvmci]

So far my radiator replacement, the longtime shop in LV,  Arrowhead, who dealt with a radiator core shop in Dallas wanted $2500 for the larger size heavy duty 8 row core. Pretty hi I thought. Considering a new radiator from MCI was $2700. I called Detroit radiator, the girl said she didn't think they could make it, considering they would have to sandwich 2, 4 cores together. Called chicago radiator, turn out they made the newer radiator (2000) still at Arrowhead. Yet to receive the MCI replacement for the 1989 original radiator, the core from Chicago radiator or the final product from Arrowhead, updates soon, lvmci.

[birdarchitect26]

I have two radiators, the main fan giant radiator, and another smaller one on the opposite side mounted inside the swing door on that side of the engine bay. There is a valve between the two to allow flow or permit. The smaller one is specifically for the generator and has 15 ft runs to and from. Therefor you can use the genny to preheat the coolant when the engine is cold and also be able to add additional "area" when hot. I'll take some pictures, but this was installed by MCI back in the 80's

[lvmci]

Hi J,  what model & year do you have again? Sounds like a mci7 combo, with dual duallys lvmci...

[luvrbus]

Tom,he has a 7 combo with the GM setup

[gumpy]

you guys with MCI's are at a disadvantage with the water pump trying to push water uphill.
I have often wondered how much that affects the volume of water moved by the water pump with that setup       

Cliff,

If the coolant system is functioning properly, and filled properly, there is no air in the system, except for the surge tank, and therefore, there is no head to pump against. So there is no "pushing water uphill". There is only pushing water within an enclosed zero-head system.

[luvrbus]

You can check the pressure at one of the pipes on the bottom of the radiator and it will read 5+lbs and on the top pipe on the radiator I get a 3lb reading, on my DL3 the surge tank and fill tank is mount on the floor about oil pan level below the water pump there is no way it can have a air space.
I never checked the flow I am going to do that some day and measure the difference,I believe I can do that with 2 flo meters    

[lvmci]

Hi All, here's an update on the radiators on my 8V92 MCI102C3. Received both the new whole radiator from MCI parts Kentucky and Core from General Radiator industries in Chicago. The expensive new whole radiator came unpackaged with a piece of cardboard wrapped around it, and some slight damage to some fins. The General radiator core had no measurements right. Light weight VT style 1/2" tubes instead of 3/4" T-12 heavy duty style, and most measurements all wrong. Will talk to General tomorrow,  MCI was shocked about the transport, but wants me to send it back. Will speak more to both tomorrow. lvmci...

[lvmci]

Hi All, spoke to General Radiator industries  in Chicago, John agreed to take the radiator back after seeing side by side pictures, with the almost double the size between the two. They tried to talk me out of it, but the pictures said everything. The 3/4" staggered tubes and the 7 1/4" Thick width, "T-12" style with staggered centers are the specific dimensions not many manufacturers can duplicate.
     Alice at MCI Kentucky parts, once again gave me a $150 discount and she has 2 more left of the heavy duty cooling for the C3s.  So the saga continues, lvmci...