So I recently brought back the idea of keeping the 223 that came with my truck from the previous owner. Based on some testing and input I will see if its worth doing.

I will need to convert it to 12 volt, and also do some checks to make sure the engine is still good. It will turn freely by hand and I don't see any obvious problems on the outside.

When I got the truck it had some mice that had made their home in the upper portion of the radiator, and I also found mostly my old seat is what they used as insulation. I did notice that they also got into where the upper radiator hose attaches. I had sucked out all the stuff, but am worried about how to clean this out further? Can I use a pressure washer and blow it out to make sure it's cleaned, or do I need to take this to a shop? My main concern is later on the insulation blocking up some passage for the radiator fluid and giving me further problems, even though I don't see anymore in there after cleaning.

I should clarify I'm asking about the block. I plan on getting a new radiator since cleaning the old one seems impossible.

 

You could take out the thermostat and use a hose or pressure washer to force water in the lower hose....let it flow out of the upper hose (with the radiator removed). If you really want to be sure, take off the water pump to see if anything is in there. As long as you do a reasonably good flush job, I can't see a few remaining cotton fibers causing much trouble. If the batting from the whole seat is in there, that would be a different story.

Dan

 

Like Dan said, remove the thermostat housing to check the top.....although if the stat was there they couldn't get past that. I'd pull the water pump and check behind it for peace of mind. Flush with garden hose....

I really hate mice....

 

There was no thermostat in it when the previous owner parked it. Would have helped out now! The water pump was also off during storage. So a good flushing and I should be good?

 

Flush it out and you should be good to go. Couple of things you could do. 1. Fill the block with some vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes and flush it out. The vinegar will help remove rust and clean it. 2. You could get a radiator flush kit and then you can back flush through the heater hose. Prestone makes a good kit and cleaner.

Lastly, if/when you put a thermostat in, MAKE SURE you seat it right (I use a dap of vaseline on the housing to help). If it's off even a little bit when you tighten down you can crack the housing (I know from personal experience) Good luck!

 

Well thanks for the help guys. I just hope the internals are good so I don't have to do a complete rebuild of it.