Truck getting on the warm side

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Last several times I've had my bucket truck out, it has been a little above normal on the guage. It was close to 90 yesterday and was thinking that may have been why, but it hasn't done it before on hot days.<br /><br />Several months ago, it was low on coolant. I did notice some scale build up on some of the core vanes inside the radiator. I'm thinking that it is slowly becoming blocked. <br /><br />What is a good product that I can run through my coolant system to clean my system? I know radiators for a diesel are mega bucks. Any ideas? Thanks.....SS

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

It's just my thought process but, I would pull the radiator and bring it to a rebuild shop and have it tank cleaned. It will not be as exspensive as a replacement however, the "fix" will outlast any flush we can do at home.<br /><br />Once it is refilled ad a water wetter to the coolant.<br /><br />Getting it fixed right the first time is the best bet. It will probably be cheaper in the long run.<br /><br />As for low on coolant??? Where did it go? Look at the weep hole near the top of the water pump to see if there is any sign of loss.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

Just might want to peek at your T-stat,after a run feel your rad in different spots from top to bottom should be pretty constsnt temp all over if not plugged up [engine shut off ]

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

Thanks to our EPA, the few best radiator shops in town closed down due to the regs they wanted them to follow. Still a few in town, but thanks again to our EPA, their prices are way up due to it.<br /><br />Bob, I haven't ever noticed any coolant leaking on anything anywhere. There isn't any signs of leakage at the water pump. When it was low, it only took about a quart of glycol to top it off. Plenty of grease and oil from the typical old diesel. <br /><br />I don't think the stat is bad, the guage is not erratic on moving up and down. That part seems to behave accordingly. Just in traffic and under load is when it starts to get warm. I will check for hot and cold spots on the radiator. Experience tells me that this is probably the source that is the culprit. Thanks....

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

What kind of rig is this? Before you dismiss the possibility of a new radiator, call and get a price from some local auto parts stores. Might be cheaper than you think, especially if it's an older, common rig like a Ford or Chevy.<br /><br />Also make sure your radiator shrouds are all present and in their proper locations. Unshrouded fans pull VERY little air thru the radiator itself and is a common cause of low speed overheating.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

Man i have bad experience on flushing radiators in the car. I flushes all the crud out of the block and and that crud plugs the radiator good.<br /><br />Ken

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

Yep Ken That is what I'm affraid of. The coolant is clean and green.<br /><br />For Craze's info, it is a 94 7.3 IDI diesel nonturbo (for now) in a F350.<br /><br />I called Autozone and they said $350 for a 4 core radiator. I just went out and checked to make sure it was a 4 core and it was. I then noticed that the level was down again. Looked at the radiator and I got a tattle tail sign of leakage on one of the vanes. Guess I need to fork out the cash and get a new one. Thanks for the help....SS

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

$350 is cheaper than another truck payment...don't risk a motor overheat, as you've already decided, just replace it and be done with it for another 10 years.

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Truck getting on the warm side

Haven't worked heavy for awhile but when did the fist thing we would do is change sensor and then check the wiring from sensor to panel. It was a cheap check. <br /> If nothing in oil or water/antifreeze and change t-stat then would consider radiator or head gasket.<br /> Costs very little to drain, put new t-stat in and put flushing solution in(not cheap but better than a new rebuild either rad. or engine).