Sawdust in the Radiator

[srozell]

When I bought my 1980 k20, the fluids in the rad were topped up, and looked clean.

I parked the truck in my shop, and had no leaks, but recently I noticed a small leak.

A closer inspection revealed that my rad has drained about 1.5" low, and there's a floating particulate, (looks like sawdust) in it.

I'm assuming the dumb-butt that owned this truck before me, rather than repair the issue, put some kind of crap in the rad fluid to temporarily stop a leak.

At this point it looks like it's just rad hoses that are worn, but I'm unsure of the extent of the damage to my system from whatever crap the previous owner dumped in there.

I expect I need to at least flush the rad, but will this be enough to clean up the system properly?

[Irish_Alley]

saw dust maybe but there is a product that comes in a silver shotgun shell that has what looks to be saw dust.

but your rad will be ok. as you see it breaks down after a bit and will leak again

[srozell]

I really hope you are right, however so far the previous owner seemed to only solve problems in the worst possible way.

I'll find the leak and fix it, then get the Radiator flushed and hope for the best.


..or should I get it flushed first?

Thoughts?

[Jason S]

I'd say verify the leak is coming from the radiator itself (not a loose hose, etc.) - then take the radiator to a radiator repair shop and have it cleaned in their cleaning vats and repaired.

[Irish_Alley]

yes verify where the leak is at and fix it or have it fixed. i wouldnt worry about that stuff if its left in