So, I finally got back to working on the truck this week, after a 3-week hiatus. Before I left on my trip to Bowling Green for the Buick GS Nationals, I installed the adapter fitting for the temperature gauge probe, using the Loctite thread sealer that 95OBSMan suggested in another thread. That way it had plenty of time to cure.
Sunday, I installed the probe for the gauge, replaced the 3/4" heater hose (radiator to core), and filled it up with antifreeze/distilled water mix. There were some pretty big chunks of rust in the radiator fitting for the heater hose, and I should have known to stop there... then fired the truck up and let it warm up.
The good news is that the temperature gauge works and doesn't seem to be leaking at the head. The bad news is that the temperature got up to 240 degrees and and climbing, so I shut it down. It didn't make any funny noises or blowing off any steam. The engine block and manifold were pretty hot. From the fan shroud forward everything was cold (used an IR temp gun on those). I squeezed the radiator hoses and it sounded like they had crushed ice in them. At this point I closed up the garage and contemplated my next move. Ultimately, since I don't know a lot about the history of this truck, I opened up the wallet wrench last night.
I'm going to flush the block and heads, heater core, and radiator. I ordered a new thermostat, o-ring gasket for it, new thermostat housing (actually comes with the thermostat and gasket as a kit), water pump, upper hose, lower hose, and threaded heater hose fitting to replace the quick-connect fitting in the manifold, serpentine belt, and fan clutch. I already have antifreeze and 5/8" heater hose.
Tonight, I tore into it and got it all apart, except for the quick connect fitting. There was a whole lot of rusty clumps of crap stuck in the thermostat, upper hose, and thermostat housing. Tomorrow I'll start to flush everything out with clean water. Here are a couple phots of where I'm at now...
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
I ordered a 195F thermostat for it and pulled out a 180F unit. Maybe I should put a 180F thermostat back in it again. I mean it is Florida, and I'll be running the AC almost year round. Hmmmm...