Is the family relic worth saving?

[Rhinthon]

My father has his father's 1996 Mazda B3000, Vulcan engine, automatic transmission, RWD. Unfortunately the original owner developed dementia at around 250,000 miles and my father has a habit of neglecting vehicles to death in his driveway. Currently the truck has no coolant, I've yet to identify the leak. My father made the issue worse by filling the radiator with extremely hard tap water and unknown antifreeze. He also reports a lack of power steering and air conditioning. Oil is present in the engine, I disagree with my father's belief that it is significantly leaking oil. Body shows no rust, chassis doesn't have anything obvious either. I have not been able to drive the machine, but there are no reports of brake or suspension problems. He occasionally talks about selling the poor machine to some even poorer bastard, but has also agreed to let me drive the thing whenever I like should I fix it.

As for me, I could use a compact pickup on occasion and want to learn more about car repair. Replacing the AC compressor on my Buick Verano seems rather more complicated than anything this truck appears to need. I took some pictures from my moderately informed inspection and would like better opinions before loading the parts cannon.

Radiator cap showing what I believe to be rust and the remains of coolant.

Sad tank where the coolant should be. My father claims "the heater core has blown and the truck runs like shit" but did not know this reservoir even existed.

Various views of filth under the engine and transmission. I'm told this is likely "under spray," oil applied to deter salt from corroding the vehicle.

My current plan is to get a new thermostat and fill the radiator with distilled water in hopes of identifying the leak. I'm willing to replace the radiator and coolant lines, but the water pump & seal will be another matter. If and when I upgrade from air cooling to Ford's intentions I'll replace the power steering reservoir, AC clutch (love how it's separate from the compressor!), idler pulley and belt. Fuel system will get some attention, will run the tank near to dry and replace the fuel filter. Maybe run add some voodoo liquids if recommended. I'm willing to excuse a slightly dumb decision as a learning experience.

But... am I missing something? Is this machine worse than I think and some money pit waiting for a fool?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

All depends on rust.

No rust? Save.

Severe rust or cancer? Don't save.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

All depends on rust.

No rust? Save.

Severe rust or cancer? Don't save.

Rusts never stopped me.


Change the radiator, flush the block, cap the heater core off (for now), fill it up with coolant, change the oil, and see where youre at.

They are always worth saving.

 

[rumblecloud]

Did you happen to take a pic of the exterior that you could post?
I'd be all in on saving it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Rusts never stopped me.


Change the radiator, flush the block, cap the heater core off (for now), fill it up with coolant, change the oil, and see where youre at.

They are always worth saving.

I only commented about the rust because I cannot do body work to save myself.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I only commented about the rust because I cannot do body work to save myself.

I don't think rusty can either...

That cooling system is going to be a mess. You will need to flush and flush the engine out. Replacing a water pump shouldn't be too bad if that is all it needs.

I would fill with water and try to run the thing to see where all it is leaking and to see how well it runs.

If it runs ok continue on, if it is has a massive headgasket leak regroup on proceeding etc.

 

[Jazzer]

Welcome to TRS!

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.