walk me through swapping out my radiator

[txchainsawgogi]

Well I'm installing a new radiator and most likely a water pump, so I wanted to flush all the crap out of the system...debri and old fluid. I hear its "recommended" to flush everything out of the engine when putting in a new rad. Tap is my only option unless I want to spend money to get the entire thing done for me at a shop.

[Layne]

Get some prestone rad flush. Theres two kinds, the one where you drain the coolant and fill with water and the cleaner and drive for 600 miles or the one where you fill with water and the cleaner and idle for 20 minutes. I've done both and am satisfied with the results. if you want it clean and cleaned good, take it to a 10 min oil change place or something along those lines. Here in my town, its like 130 bucks to clean it out. I've never done it, but it's worth a shot as well

[SUX2BU99]

What size is the core on our trucks? Are they the same from 73-87? I'm looking for a replacement for the single-core I have, which I think may have been the original from when it was a 6 cyl. but not entirely sure. I know I have an 73-80 frame on my truck but I don't know what year of rad. I'm looking for something to be capable of towing a 5500-6000 lb trailer.

[Irish_Alley]

the Rad is truck specific. Depends on engine, transmission and drive train.

[bobcooter]

I would take Irish's advice and go to autozone and get a new 4 core radiator. They are around 130 bucks. Then I would install a 180 degree thermostat. Check your hoses and make sure they are still firm also. Sometimes the bottom radiator hose gets sucked flat and causes overheating problems.

[txchainsawgogi]

Autozone was useless and didn't have a 3 or 4 core anywhere near 130. I bought one off ebay and I'm going to install it Friday. Hoses look fine...def need a new thermostat. I might get a large push fan in chrome and a cheaper plastic puller. Next is the ignition system.

[beastie_3]

Autozone was useless and didn't have a 3 or 4 core anywhere near 130. I bought one off ebay and I'm going to install it Friday. Hoses look fine...def need a new thermostat. I might get a large push fan in chrome and a cheaper plastic puller. Next is the ignition system.

You want to get a chrome electric push fan? I think it might be distracting from the front of the truck. I would just get two black pullers, IMO.

[txchainsawgogi]

I kind of wanted something behind the new low pro grille I plan on getting... something flashy, but hidden...and functional. For now I'm just doing pullers. Once I get the grille I'll measure for clearance and that will help me decide.

[txchainsawgogi]

Hey guys... how much fluid should I expect to be putting in this empty system?? Also, how hard is it to replace the water pump?

[Lt.Del]

Autozone was useless and didn't have a 3 or 4 core anywhere near 130. I bought one off ebay and I'm going to install it Friday.

a city like Austin has no radiator shops?  It should have at least 5.  I'd never go to the 'zone for something like that.  Go to the guys who know radiators.   Got yellow pages?
Looks like you found one on the internet--hope it fits and shipping didn't hurt it.

[txchainsawgogi]

Well, oil (or trans fluid) in the drained rad fluid. So that's great. Head gasket...or?

[Canadian 4X4]

Is the engine oil a milky color?

[txchainsawgogi]

Milky, no. Just dirty.

[beastie_3]

If you think its transmission fluid, it could be the cooler inside the radiator.

[txchainsawgogi]

Oh yeah...there was also a rat skull and jaw bone in my SEALED overflow tank.