I bought a 65 Supervan last January that had some cooling problems. After installing an aluminum 4 core radiator, new water pump, new hoses and a pusher fan it's still overheating. Just had a chemical test done and there is exhaust in the coolant, plus I need to redo the oil pan gasket anyway. I don't have the space or the skills to do a rebuild myself and have gotten quotes between $800 and $1800, all well out of my range at the moment. Any ideas for a quick fix for now? One suggestion was to seal the outside of the HG with diesel silicone and take out the thermostat. Any suggestions?

 

Beuler? Beuler?

 

well, sealing the outside will not fix the exhaust gas to coolant transfer.
the only proper way to fix it is to remove the head, and have it checked for cracks and make sure it is not warped by a machine shop. once you know the head is ok, then install it with a new gasket.

this is not a very hard job for a do it yourself type of person. on a scale of 1-10, i would put it at a 3 or 4 for a shade tree mechanic, and a easy 2 for a pro.

 

This is not my recommended procedure. It should be done correctly. That said, if it is just not possible to fix correctly, you could try this. It may buy you some time. Head Gasket Fix (p/n 1111) | Products | Bar's Leaks & Rislone - Premium Automotive Chemicals

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

If you go that route put the original rad back till you get it fixed properly otherwise you are pretty much ruining a good rad and Im sure it wasnt cheap.

My 2c