How can I reduce the under hood temperature in my '76 4x4 Chevy van?

Question

The under hood temperature in my '76 4x4 Chevy Van (G3500 small block 400 Turbo 350 automatic transmission) gets too high when I shut off the engine. Until I replaced the HEI with conventional ignition, the HEI would overheat and refuse to work until it cooled down, eventually frying completely (I got lucky and found an engineer who helped develop the original HEI and he clued me in on this problem).

Now, if the outside air gets above 85°F, when I have driven more than 10 minutes or so, shut the engine off, let it sit for over 5 minutes and under 20 minutes, the starter is so hot that it fails to crank enough to start the engine.

I have replaced the starter three times; I have replaced the ignition switch with a high capacity diesel push button; I have replaced both the battery cables.

I am considering louvering the hood and/or installing an electric fan (with a thermal switch powered even with the key off--the solution GM adopted in later models).

Answer 1

the electric fan is a good idea but only if you have a battery with a fair amount of "reserve capacity" so it does not go dead from running the fan with the key off. also there is a starter available from chevrolet for the 350 diesel made in the early 80's that is a high torque model that will bolt on directly...check with chevrolet parts

Answer 2

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Answer 3

A small 2" duct running from in front of the radiator to the rear of the carb. could help, fan assisted wouldn't hurt. I have done this without the fan. route it on the passenger side for clearance (not much to began with)
As for the starter motor they make heat shields that help, they run $12-24.00, easy to make if you are handy. a duct could also be run from in front of radiator ,it could also be routed to help cool the fuel pump.