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Old 09-23-2013, 10:36 PM   #5
Tom Wesenberg
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: Update on my Radiator/Overheating Problem

Well, today I flushed out the block by using the sump pump. This morning I was undecided on whether it was going to be worth the effort. As you can see, it's a good thing I did it. I told Mark what I had in mind for the outlet to be bolted in place of the water pump, and he found just what I needed in his scrap metal pile and welded it together for me. I used my 2 1/4" shop vac hose for the outlet and duct taped it to the steel pipe. I had to dump the tub of water and rust 6 times before it was almost without rust flakes.

With each tub of clean water, I'd lift the pump in and out of the water a few times to cause pressure surges to help knock the rust out. Six times I also started the engine and ran it at the speed that gave the most vibration. This also help to knock out the rust. I show 5 of the tubs with the water dumped and the rust left behind. The 6th tub was about half of what is shown in the last picture. You can see that there was plenty of rust to plug the radiator several times over.

So, even if I spent several hunders of dollars on a new radiator or rodding it out, I still would have been right back where I started, had I not flushed the block. I'll bet radiator guys love people who run just water and create rust.

I put the car back together this afternoon and installed the sink drain and scrub pad in the top hose. I then added 2 1/2 gallons of pure white vinegar and went for a drive. Everything is great again, and should be for a long time. I'll leave the vinegar in until the first freeze, then I'll use 50% antifreeze.

This has certainly been a lesson on using an unknown engine. I've always pulled the pan to check for sludge, but from now on I'll turn the engine upside down on my engine stand and flush out the cooling system with my sump pump.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Block Flush1.jpg (82.9 KB, 147 views)
File Type: jpg Block Flush2.jpg (60.0 KB, 114 views)
File Type: jpg Block Flush3.jpg (56.4 KB, 108 views)
File Type: jpg Block Flush4.jpg (60.6 KB, 102 views)
File Type: jpg Block Flush5.jpg (43.7 KB, 99 views)
File Type: jpg Block Flush6.jpg (41.9 KB, 98 views)
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