Is the family relic worth saving?

[pentode]

What would indicate a need for radiator replacement? Complete refusal to circulate the water? Obviously the radiator itself could be leaking, but... what else do I need to look for?

Garden hose 40psi full blast into the top of the radiator should flow through from top to bottom, give or take. I take mine out and flush from bottom to top.

 

[Rhinthon]

Can we please get some pics of this friggin truck already?!?!?!

Hah! If you want to see a rust free body there are plenty of pornographic sites elsewhere.

 

[Rhinthon]

Radiator took half a gallon of water, then puked up rusty mud. Drain plug released absolutely nothing when pulled, even while filling the radiator.

I'm assuming the radiator is full of rust. New plan is to swap it along with the hoses.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Radiator took half a gallon of water, then puked up rusty mud. Drain plug released absolutely nothing when pulled, even while filling the radiator.

I'm assuming the radiator is full of rust. New plan is to swap it along with the hoses.

Cheap-y rad and flush the hell out of your block. I don't get fussy about them tbh. It's a rad. If it lasts, so be it. If you get 5 years out of it, so be it.









POST PICS, DAMNIT

 

[pjtoledo]

Radiator took half a gallon of water, then puked up rusty mud. Drain plug released absolutely nothing when pulled, even while filling the radiator.

I'm assuming the radiator is full of rust. New plan is to swap it along with the hoses.

if you want to be real thorough try removing the block drain plugs. unfortunately they are usually
rusted in hopelessly tight.

 

[bobbywalter]

no rust you say.....

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

no rust you say.....

He's being a tease.

 

[Rhinthon]

no rust you say.....

None outside the radiator!

But here's something for you.

 

[bobbywalter]

View attachment 147384None outside the radiator!

But here's something for you.

i am speaking from a place of jealousy...

 

[fixizin]

...
I’m in the “Save” camp. Rusty ole ranger gave you good advice above.

I’d remove the lower radiator hose and pour water through the reservoir to flush it and see if it’s clogged. Might need another engine at that mileage but rust free is a unicorn.

ESPECIALLY if he's in upstate New York (Syracuse)!... land of heavy road-salt use...

 

[fixizin]

But yeah dude, newer small trucks are a hot mess of overly-complicated hotly-turbocharged short-lived HARD-to-service EXPENSIVE nonsense, so I'd revive this one if at all practical...

... the auto-trans is a bit of a weak spot, but I hear rebuilt ones are cheap and plentiful.

 

[Lefty]

Replace all the hoses, the spark plug wires too. Seafoam the gas tank.

I am one of the few here who believes that rust is the greater concern. It costs more to replace the body and frame then it does to drop a new engine or a radiator in

 

[Rhinthon]

But yeah dude, newer small trucks are a hot mess of overly-complicated hotly-turbocharged short-lived HARD-to-service EXPENSIVE nonsense, so I'd revive this one if at all practical...

... the auto-trans is a bit of a weak spot, but I hear rebuilt ones are cheap and plentiful.

Yeah I'd love to never rely a turbocharged car again. I had a turbo Sonic that coked it's turbocharger oil line and did a lathe impression. Dealer and the repair shop did some fraud with the parts cannon, plus labor. I'm glad to be rid of the machine and will prefer DIY repairs whenever possible.

It's very amusing to look at the abuse this Vulcan engine has survived. Nothing built today could take it.