Radiator Flush
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 3
From: Tempe
Radiator Flush
Hey guys!
Little update on the '78 300 project. I recently did a full tune-up, but being in phoenix and its hotter than the devils d***, I have noticed she might be running a little warm. I know that the factory gauges aren't too reliable, but when I first got her a few months ago and it was cooler, she would get right to about the N/O on normal and stay there. Now that its getting hot, we're creeping past the M. It has a new thermostat that was installed before I bought it, and the radiator seems like its in good condition. I think there is a shop around me that can rod them out, which is also an option since I'm not leaking anything so its not like it needs to be replaced. Could I simply disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses, let the old coolant drain out, then refill it? I know thats not a complete flush, just brainstorming here. The coolant doesn't look old, but based on how disgusting the oil was when I changed that, who knows!
Little update on the '78 300 project. I recently did a full tune-up, but being in phoenix and its hotter than the devils d***, I have noticed she might be running a little warm. I know that the factory gauges aren't too reliable, but when I first got her a few months ago and it was cooler, she would get right to about the N/O on normal and stay there. Now that its getting hot, we're creeping past the M. It has a new thermostat that was installed before I bought it, and the radiator seems like its in good condition. I think there is a shop around me that can rod them out, which is also an option since I'm not leaking anything so its not like it needs to be replaced. Could I simply disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses, let the old coolant drain out, then refill it? I know thats not a complete flush, just brainstorming here. The coolant doesn't look old, but based on how disgusting the oil was when I changed that, who knows!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,893
Likes: 2,371
Flushing is sort of a preventative measure but basically useless if your radiator is plugged. that's why they call it rodding out.
I would save the money you'll waste flushing it and get the radiator either rodded or replace it. this is a very common problem and the cause of most overheating problems.
I would save the money you'll waste flushing it and get the radiator either rodded or replace it. this is a very common problem and the cause of most overheating problems.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 60
From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA
Hey guys!
Little update on the '78 300 project. I recently did a full tune-up, but being in phoenix and its hotter than the devils d***, I have noticed she might be running a little warm. I know that the factory gauges aren't too reliable, but when I first got her a few months ago and it was cooler, she would get right to about the N/O on normal and stay there. Now that its getting hot, we're creeping past the M. It has a new thermostat that was installed before I bought it, and the radiator seems like its in good condition. I think there is a shop around me that can rod them out, which is also an option since I'm not leaking anything so its not like it needs to be replaced. Could I simply disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses, let the old coolant drain out, then refill it? I know that's not a complete flush, just brainstorming here. The coolant doesn't look old, but based on how disgusting the oil was when I changed that, who knows!
Little update on the '78 300 project. I recently did a full tune-up, but being in phoenix and its hotter than the devils d***, I have noticed she might be running a little warm. I know that the factory gauges aren't too reliable, but when I first got her a few months ago and it was cooler, she would get right to about the N/O on normal and stay there. Now that its getting hot, we're creeping past the M. It has a new thermostat that was installed before I bought it, and the radiator seems like its in good condition. I think there is a shop around me that can rod them out, which is also an option since I'm not leaking anything so its not like it needs to be replaced. Could I simply disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses, let the old coolant drain out, then refill it? I know that's not a complete flush, just brainstorming here. The coolant doesn't look old, but based on how disgusting the oil was when I changed that, who knows!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 442
If your thermostat has been changed make sure you have a high flow thermostat makes a big difference.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milodon-164...sAAOSwa-dWjX~9
If you have access to a laser thermostat you can detect hot spots in the radiator and know it is the problem.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-The...ec6c39e730b6ec
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milodon-164...sAAOSwa-dWjX~9
If you have access to a laser thermostat you can detect hot spots in the radiator and know it is the problem.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-The...ec6c39e730b6ec
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 3
From: Tempe
It's just May and if it's already hotter than the devil's duck, it will likely get worse before it gets better. Perhaps a complete analysis of the cooling system is in order before it gets really hot. Be sure the thermostat is opening correctly. Check it in a pot of water on your stove with a known good thermometer. If you drain & replace the coolant remember that there is a lot in the engine also. It's best to change all of it and not mix old with new. You can check congestion in the radiator with an IR thermometer. Then you'll have a good idea if a rodding out is needed.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 3
From: Tempe
Yep I'm going to check that out tomorrow. I'm not sure of the one that is in there, so should i just grab a 160 degree one and swap it out just so I know?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
If your thermostat has been changed make sure you have a high flow thermostat makes a big difference.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milodon-164...sAAOSwa-dWjX~9
If you have access to a laser thermostat you can detect hot spots in the radiator and know it is the problem.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-The...ec6c39e730b6ec
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milodon-164...sAAOSwa-dWjX~9
If you have access to a laser thermostat you can detect hot spots in the radiator and know it is the problem.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-The...ec6c39e730b6ec
I agree thats the correct style thermostat but you want the actual RS 330 series thermostat there is too many imported clones.
https://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com...ree-thermostat
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I suggest the 330 RS series with the 3 hole mod. Either drill the holes yourself carefully or Stewart performance sells a pre-modified version.
Pre-Modified
Stock
https://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com...ree-thermostat
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 3
From: Tempe
Use a 180 or 195 thermostat.
I suggest the 330 RS series with the 3 hole mod. Either drill the holes yourself carefully or Stewart performance sells a pre-modified version.
Pre-Modified
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002R...b_b_asin_title
Stock
https://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com...ree-thermostat
I suggest the 330 RS series with the 3 hole mod. Either drill the holes yourself carefully or Stewart performance sells a pre-modified version.
Pre-Modified
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002R...b_b_asin_title
Stock
https://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com...ree-thermostat
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,031
Likes: 891
From: East Central Ia
My Dad's 76 over heated and water would run right through radiator when flushing. Finally when I had it looked at by radiator shop there was only a few tubes open. Radiator fixed it in that case.
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