cooling system question

[gmharris]

I don't think there is any need to remove the winch. But, when I was pulling the radiator, I thought how nice it was to stand right in front of the radiator to lift it out. The PW I was working on had winch bumpers, but no winch. So, I could walk right up to the radiator to work.

Good Luck on your project.

[wayneh]

GM Harris: That radiator and cowl is heavy! And I know I am not 25 anymore, but I ended up using my engine hoist to get it out.

I'm going to be optimistic that the overheating may have been caused because the water distribution tube was plugged towards the back. It almost had a paper like substance in it. It looked like new but had a few small rust thru spots. I TIG welded them up and it looks as good as new now.

And when I opened the drain on the block, I thought I had an oil journal at first since it looked black and nothing came out... After cleaning that opening with a brush water pours out of it now.

I've run a lot of water thru this thing today, and the radiator. Both seem fine now.

I did buy a coolant filter at NAPA and will install that before I put water in it again. I've got my fingers crossed!

Wayne

[Zoli]

Hi every one,

I had cooling issues on my 1950 pw
and resolved this issu by taking out the freez plugs and cleaned the block
with garden hose end wire pick
behind the freez plugs I found sediment wich was filed above the plugs
I beleve it was at least two pound or more.
hope this helps

Zoli

[wayneh]

Zoli:

Thanks! I am somewhat optimistic I have the problem solved. That water distibution tube will certainly block water flow to the back cylinders, and since clearing that out it seems to be fine. I drove it about 50 miles Saturday and the gauge never moved past the "a" in Heat. Before it went to hot in a mile or two....

regards

Wayne

[gmharris]

I had a similar experience with the buildup of "gunk" behind the lower freeze plugs. If you have the fenders off, I say pull the freeze plugs. At least, the lower front freeze plug. It's easy to get to.

After you see the amount of material behind the front lower freeze plug, you may decide to pull the rear bottom plug too. The rear plug is more difficult to get to as you have to remove the starter.

I doubt that a reasonable amount of gunk (not two pounds worth) at the bottom of the block does much harm. My engine was not overheating. But, it's probably worth cleaning out anyway.

[wayneh]

GM:

Well, as of today I think I'm pretty happy with the cooling system, although it has not been much over 60 degrees out... flushing the radiator with muriotic acid and cleaning out the back two slots in the water tube may have done the trick. I'll put in antifreeze in it tomorrow and probably change the coolant filter then too.

I drove it again today a fair amount. Very fun to say the least, although the drive train I suspect is well worn. My next task is to tackle the NP-200 transfer case. Mine has new seals, nice orange paint, but leaks like crazy, and I can "wiggle" the input and output shafts, and I can't imagine that is a good thing!

Wayne