And solved. After testing the relay in another socket to find it was fine, testing the thermal switch in boiling water with a DVM to find it was fine, and testing the thermostat in boiling water to find it was fine too (even tho I replaced it), i happened to look at the old rad in just the right light. I noticed something I hadn't seen before because it was so small. A "scratch" about 2 inches long. On closer exam, i found it was a crack in the rad!

so I spent a bunch of time over 2 weekends, learned some useful things, spent some money (about $150 for rad, rad cap, new upper hose, some antifreeze, a new thermo, and a "new" fan assembly from a boneyard). But took it out for a long test drive and the cooling fan clicked on. So far so good.

One of the most confounding parts was when I put the new rad in the car. I had 3 connections on the rad, and only 2 in the car. took me a bit to remember that one of the connections on the rad splits to both fan (cool and cond) motors. So that problem solved it was dropping it in, hooking it up, and adding the new coolant.

Thanks to all who helped, esp poorman. Generous and terrific contributions.

Next problem: As you look at the engine, there is a protecting metal cover in the front part (between engine and rad). I can't tell if it is aluminum or what. A different material. Some have the word "HOT" stamped on it. Anyway, coming out from under this is some sort of hose. Mine is wrapped in a thin, almost paper-like material, and wrapped on the outside in wire. Mine is also caked in oil because this is a 23 yr old car and has oil problems. Anyway, i was looking closely at it while heating my car up. there was some smoke coming off it (nothing that new -- oil problems). But i saw a new issue, and that was what loked like some tiny bubbling on the hose. Not sure if this is a leak due to oil corrosion or what.

Edit: I just ddiscovered that metal is the exhaust manifol shroud.

But what is this hose?

thanks.

 

What number in the diagram are you talking about?

 

i think it is #4.

 

It is called a hot air pipe and is on carbureted engines. It delivers hot air to whatever it connects to. Not sure on its function. I am not familiar with the carb engine setup.

It sounds like your engine has an oil leak. The valve cover gasket would be the first item I would take a look at. Maybe the o-ring for the distributor? No matter what, you should look for the highest spot on the engine where you see oil stains. The leak has to come from that level, because oil won't run up the engine block.

 

If it is #4, that is also known as a "carb pre-heater" hose. The other end would connect to the air cleaner. When cold is is suppose to send "warmer" air to the carb...there is a vac actuated "flap" on the "snorkel" that will direct the flow from reg outside air and this "warmer" air...rambling now, enough of that.

The hose, not "really" important, again if it is #4....

See if you can find the source of the oil leak, I'm with PA. Based upon the location you describe - valve cover gasket would be my #1 suspect. If it is, pretty simple to replace.

EDIT: Glad you are back on the road, sorry should have said that first.