I've got an 83 F150 that got relly hot today so after it cooled I check the water and it was fine. After I started it back up I could see the lower radiator hose pulsating somewhat violently and after taking the cap off, fluid stararted spurting out of the radiator. I've never seen a pump do this so before replacing it just for kicks I thought I'd ask you guys if there is anything else that could cause it. Thanks.

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you can try a water pump but I am betting you have a leaking head gasket. The pulsing you are seeing is one cylinder firing and the exhaust gases being forced into your coolant. That would also explain it getting hot.

Go to a radiator shop if you can make it that far and have them give it a sniff test.

Good Luck,

Lee

 

I agree with Lee Lichterman, it is probably not the pump. If the hoes starts to swell slowly I would say that it is a block in the system, most likely the Thermostat. But since it the hose is pulsating it is most likely a leaking head gasket. But before you go to a shop bring the idle way down and see if the pulsating slows down, also while the idle is low listen and see if you hear a waek cylinder, or a slite miss, this would preety much confirm that it is a head gasket.
I would have to disagree with Lee on one thing, it is probably not the exhaust stroke that is leaking, because the valve is open and helps to relieve pressure. It is more likely to be the compression stroke since the only way for a cylinder to relieve pressure then is through the gasket. And in that case getting the cooling system tested may not help, I would do a leak down on all the cylinders. If you are not sure of what a leak down test is, you should have a compression tester that will monitor the pressure in the cylinder so when the cylinder pressure goes down the gage will go down ( a good machanic should always have a leak down tester). you set it up like a normal commpression tester except you let the gage sit for a little while and see if the pressure drops, if it does you would either have leaky valve seats, or most likely a bad head gasket (do this on all cyliders). GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks for your replies. It makes much sense that it's a blown head gasket and was going to sell it anyway so figure I'll drop the price a bit and get rid of it. Gotta say I'll miss that truck.

 

see if the exhaust steams when you start it and if it does thats the head gasket (prolly) but you should smell for antifreeze, but the shake of that hose to me sounds like it airbound, if so reliese the air pressure through the hole where you can hook the hose to when you flush it. Thats near the passenger side of the windsheild