AC / Non-AC 302 Radiators

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Drifter69, Oct 12, 2021.

  1. Drifter69

    Drifter69 Member

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    Question if the radiators for 302 cars having AC w/PS were different than for non-AC/PS 302 cars. I've seen some radiators with inlet and outlet both on passenger side, but never confirmed if this was for Mavericks or some other cars.

    Since the AC/PS 302's had the PS lower down and the AC compressor in its place, that whole side was jammed up with equipment.

    Anyone have any confirmed info on this?
     
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2021
  2. dyent

    dyent Member

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    My 73 Comet 302 AC/PS/C4 had Inlet (top) on passenger side and Outlet (bottom) on drivers side and my 74 Comet 302 non-AC/PS/C4 was exactly the same, the shrouds for AC and non-AC where different though........
    David
    P1010394.JPG

    Shroud on LH is non AC and RH is with AC
    P1010432.JPG


    AC shroud LH and without AC on RH
    P1010433.JPG
     
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  3. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    The V8 radiators with passenger side inlet/outlet are pre 1970, no Maverick ever used that configuration. Only applies to 1969 & earlier 289/302/351. (OK 1970, Shelby GT350 used passenger side, but all those were 1969 retitled as 1970)

    A/C radiators had more cores per inch than non-A/C(as did HD cooling option) and depending on year, slightly varied in size. The different in fan shroud thickness allowed fan to move forward for A/C compressor clearance.

    AFAIK 250 used same radiator configuration as V8.

    I believe Six cyl 170 & 200 used smaller passenger side inlet/outlet than than V8.
     
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  4. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    250 uses same config. as V8's. I gave stock type AC radiator to my friend from my 73 w/ 75 - 250 several years ago - still in operation.
     
  5. TeeEl

    TeeEl Member

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    I always thought the A/C radiator was 3-row and the non-A/C was 2-row, but I have never confirmed it. I'm curious now...
     
  6. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    The 1-15/16" thickness may have been three core. Discontinued mid '72 model year.

    rad1.JPG rad2.JPG
     
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  7. TeeEl

    TeeEl Member

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    That's interesting. I didn't know they were thicker pre-'73...
     
  8. Constable

    Constable You have the right to remain silent....or not!

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    I'm not so sure they were three core so what they mean by extra capacity, I'm not sure. If they were three core, they must have been pretty compact cores. My '75 is a factory a/c car and when I decided to go aluminum three core to replace the original as it was not in great shape, while it was a designated Mav replacement (not a multiple model one either), I ended up having to grind a bit on the passenger side of the crossmember so it could drop in. There is a noticeable difference in thickness between the original and the new aluminum one. It wasn't a junk rad company either.
     
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  9. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    The power steering pump on a V-8 car is mounted in the exact same spot/configuration for an AC car AND a non AC car. All the brackets are the same as well. A spacer was used between the power steering pump bracket and the head on non AC cars. Remove this spacer and replace with the AC bracket for AC cars.

    My 1972 Grabber had a 3-core from the factory and I replaced it with a new 3-core.

    72c engine done.jpg

    Here is a picture before I re-installed the AC compressor.

    Yes....the radiator seal is installed backwards in order to hid the trans cooler located between the radiator and the AC condenser.
     

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