So I am back at it...I pulled off the water pump today and I discovered something that MAY be the root of my issue...on the other hand, maybe it isn't.

After removing the old fuel pump (which was quite rusty and full of sediment, but still functional) I back washed the system again. I sprayed water forcefully into the bypass on the t stat housing as well as into the heater outlet. The water came back OUT of the block via the water pump port on the PASSENGER SIDE ONLY. No water ever came out of the water pump port on the DRIVER side. Does that mean there is a blockage somewhere inside the engine block that is preventing coolant from getting to the driver side port? (or FROM the driver side port when the pump is attached and operating)?

Here is a video...

351W Cooling system blockage? - YouTube

Thanks!

Tyler

 

Tyler, I would find something to block off the two places where water IS coming out, then try it again. That water will take the least path of resistance of course. but if there is a blockage that might help clear it. also I can't remember if the bypass, you sprayed into, is open to the same opening as the thermostat. Might want to pull the t-stat. I understand trying to save a gasket. Too early for me without coffee!
There is a good possibility of a blockage, just don't know where everything is connected. Being who I am, I might try to blow some compressed air in all the openings, but timidly.

 

Thanks Jeff. The bypass flows right in behind the t stat on the block side of the t stat. I have tried to block off the other ports and force the water to the driver side pump port. It seemed the water forced its way out the passenger side port while still not getting to the one on the driver side. I will try to block the ports more effectively today and do it again. But if I cannot get water to the driver side, does that indicate a blockage? It should all be connected, right?

t

 

Hi Tyler,

Give Jeff's idea a try....or...force water into the driver's side outlet. I'm pretty sure that the coolant basically crosses between the two sides of the block through the heads and intake manifold. Basically, you're seeing the path of least resistance. Shove a rag into the passenger side water pump port, and hold your finger over the heater outlet & try again. The water passages in the head gaskets are pretty small so maybe you don't have much of a problem going on.

By the way...I mentioned to you early on to get a mechanical bulb type temp gauge to verify the engine temp. I bought some parts from Summit this week. They had a sale flyer that listed some of those gauges on sale for $4.00. Yes...that's four dollars.

Dan

 

I've given up. I've tried every suggestion I've gotten but no luck. I can't get a single drop of water to come out the driver side and I'm not willing to risk ruining the block. The engine is coming out for overhaul. Thanks for all the help guys! I have other issues to work on in this truck so I'll be on here plenty. But the engine is coming out.

Peace

T

 

Out of curiousity Tyler - a lot of folks here (who stay flathead) pull the straight 6 and go up to the 8... being it is for the kiddo who has no need to do 90mph, have you considered that rather than dump a ton into a rebuild you instead take the truck back to period and scoop up someones unwanted good flat 6?

 

Hey Tyler,
Good to see you are still making progress. It would be interesting to see what the engine looks like once you break it down. That engine has probably been in there since the 70's - probably could use some TLC.

Are you interested in looking at other engine alternatives or would you like to stick with the 351W? It's easier to stay with the same engine mounts, transmission set up, & pulleys. My only concern with the 351W (& I have one also) is gas mileage. I've heard 10 MPG but I'm not sure
what truth is... When I was replacing my engine I was told a 289 can get upwards of 17/18 MPG on the highway that's an interesting number.

Your theory on your water test is that if you pour water in the
thermostat or heater hoses that it should come out both water inlets?
I've never done that with the waterpump off - you would think some of the resident experts can answer that question - then you can be 100% certain your test is a valid check of the engine cooling system.

Hang in there.

Ben in Austin

 

Yeah I would think that you would get some water out of that port with what you have tried. Like Ben, I have never tried to get water through with the water pump off. Never had an overheating problem like that...ever...that's strange.
I wish I was there to help take it out! Now I want to know what's up!
Were the hoses all hooked up when you bought it? Who knows what could possibly get in there if it was opened up over time. Still even if there was a critter nest in there, I would think water would eventually pass through. So maybe it's something mechanically messed up. Can the head gaskets be put on wrong? ( Other folks on here) I don't know the wrong way to do things..only the right way! Seriously sometimes when you pick up other peoples problems, you do a lot of this! or this then you want to do this to the person who made a mistake!
Ben and brain do bring up a thought though...IF you find that the costs to rebuild/repair are super ridiculous, a 302 will slip right in that 351W location.
I doubt that you want to tackle a flatty though. different everything. Not saying you couldn't just saying, with the experience you seem to have
( forgive me if that's an insult, not meant that way at all) the same engine removed and replaced will be much simpler. Again in terms of "the same" a 302 will plop in there exactly as the 351W does.
If you had an experienced helper, that motor would be out faster than I can type! Tear the intake/heads off and see whats goin on. Keep us posted!
BTW...I don't know what you are using to do those videos, but it does a great job! clean and clear as a bell! I like the editing that comes across the screen too! Heck I don't know anything about making a video and posting it like that!

 

If you put the 351C gaskets on a 351W then yes you'll have galleys and jackets starved. Don't know for sure which ones... but I doubt it would have made it miles before ending up parked, more like feet.

And yeah that was exactly my next thoughts, a 289, 302 and 351w I believe all being the W family share the same motor mounts so if not getting a flattie 6 then going to a 289/302 would be super easy and get you back on track mpg wise, and be a lot more reasonable for a youth driver.

Most likely candidate IMO, it was stored without a breather and a snake (one of those AZ nasties) crawled in the engine, died in the jackets - there's a thread here with some wild pictures if I remember right.

 

That's funny because I actually thought the same thing! SNAKE?
I've never been to AZ, so I don't know what critters are out there!
edit: hey brain75, there isn't a breather in the waterjackets??? I know what you are saying though!

 

Hey Tyler, brain75 brought up a thought! Maybe you can borrow one of those little doctor camera's from "DOC" ! That would be cool!

 

Thanks guys for all the interest. I thought about the critter issue, but I don't think it could make this solid of a blockage, especially after being mummified/dried out in there. I think it would get pretty brittle and flimsy. I am sure it is rust and sediment.

I also thought about the camera idea. I have a good fishing buddy who is an ENT doc. I should call him! It would be super cool to get video of the inside of that thing! BTW I have just been using my iPhone 3Gs to make the videos. I use iMovie on my Mac desktop to put in the subtitles etc. It is very easy on a Mac. Believe me, I am no genius.

I may have a lead on a 302 that is low mileage. I will look into it. I think I will pull the engine and break it down. Then take it to the engine shop. They said that would be fine. Hopefully I will learn a thing or two in the process.

EDIT: Incidentally I tried some pretty goofy stuff to get that blockage out. I actually pushed a toilet snake into the driver side pump port! I hand trimmed the end down so it was real small and tried to work it up into there. In about 10 seconds I got the thing completely stuck inside the block! It was pretty funny My buddy and I had to clamp the drain snake to the back of his jeep and pull it out that way!! We had pretty much given up at that point and figured "what the heck! It's worth a try!"

t

 

LOL and that, my friend, is called making memories!

 

get yourself a rebuilding book and read before you break it down too far, you want to stamp the connecting rods so you know which one goes with which.... back in my day we had expensive pay for each picture even the blurry ones cameras, in today's point and shoot - take pictures of everything coming apart so you know how it goes back together.

 

Has anyone considerd removing the freeze plugs to flush the sediment out of the block. I guess it has freeze plugs, I think chebby. It can all settle and block eveything. A bit of work as a last resort. chuck