455 Timing Fuel Pump Radiator & Cooling Issues

Larry:

Just finished reading a tread that you posted to in April 2006, regarding the necessity for cutting 1/2" off the water pump shaft to adapt the clutch. That article is here: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=99450

I'm wondering weather there is a specific part number associated with the 7 blade fan that the 455 requires. I noticed in the thread above that you only referred to the fan as an 18" x 7 blade unit. Saw the same thing on Google regarding a 455 in a Firebird. Wonder if there is a difference in 18" diameter 7 blade fans. If not -- then I should affirm my intention to buy one ASAP -- if the fans are 18" in diameter.

Best of times to you -- Terry :bglasses:

 

Grab it ... for $10 plus shipping its a deal. Chances are if its from a BUick you can use it

 

The Water Wetter is very good. I run a dirt track race car and I use it in it. Love that stuff.

 

When I started this post, I noticed that a number of people who were posting inquiries in the Wet behind the ears column appeared to be new to the 455.

I have driven a Riviera for over 35-years, so its safe to say that Im acquainted with its components, but I dont have anything close to the insight regarding mechanical issues that many of the members on this site possess.

Subsequently, I felt that it might be beneficial to develop a system wide view towards ignition -- fuel and cooling components, as inadequate performance in any of these systems can seriously affect performance in the rest. Along these lines, I feel that there are two components the alternator and the battery that should be examined as part of this discussion.

Both of these components have propensities for functioning with a diminished capability, before they fail entirely. You can encounter a situation where it may appear that the alternator and battery are functioning properly because you are getting spark when in fact one or both of these components may be barely performing. If either of these components is malfunctioning, after you have changed your timing set, it can give you the impression that you have installed something wrong, when you may actually have an alternator or battery that is failing. Some parts stores have computer systems for testing alternators. They can lock your alternator into a machine that drives it, much like it would run on your car, and test its output capabilities.

Ultimately, you'll have to replace these items, and there are considerable differences in performance capabilities that manufacturers build into them. I have driven my Riviera - on a full time basis for 10 years - in a desert environment that tends to tax both of these components. As a result I have developed distinct preferences regarding the alternator and battery I use, which are as follows:

Battery Exide ORB78DT-84 - Orbital Sealed VRLA Automotive Battery. -- Specifications: Group Size: 34/78 Top & Side Post - Voltage: 12 - CCA @ 0? F: 770 - CA @ 32? F: 1000 - Reserve Capacity: 95 - Amp Hour @ 20 Hour Rate: 50

You can look at a spec sheet on these batteries here: http://www.acdcpower.co.nz/Exide/Orbital Batteries.pdf

They are a $200 plus battery. They have an 84-month warranty and the manufacturer claims that they will replace it outright, free of charge, if it fails within 3-years. I bought one at Checkers for 184.99 ran it for just over 5-years (Five Brutal Summers), before it failed. When I replaced it, they gave me a $53.65 credit for the old one, and only charged me $138.33 plus tax for the new one. They are a phenomenal battery.

Alternator AC - Delco 94 amp 12SI (AC-Delco #321-266 / Lester #7294-3)

As far as I know these are amongst the most coveted alternators for GM vehicles, and they are getting very scarce. It took me about 10 days to track down my last one. The one it replaced ran for 6-years without actually failing. It merely had a light sending diode go out so I replaced it. If anyone is interested I will try to retrace my steps to find out where these alternators can be purchased. If you get one of these, as Im sure the guys on this site will agree, dont ever take it back for the core charge. They can be rebuilt.

For those of you who have followed this discussion and want more information about power timing your ignition, you will find an article on this subject entitled:

Power Timing Your Buick V8

This article was written by: LARRY70GS a.k.a THE WIZARD

You will find Larrys article here: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=63475

As Larrys article points out, power timing your ignition is essential to making your engine perform correctly.

For guys who might be new to working on these engines, I wanted to emphasize the importance of looking at the system as a whole, and for the guys who have given me so much help resolving issues I have raised in this forum, I wanted to express my most sincere appreciation.

The best of times to you all Terry :bglasses: