Is there any easy way to figure out if the pump is working? I noticed a leak in the radiator top, small as a needle point...can that be the problem?
You are right, I just didn´t really know what the purpose of the thermo was untill someone here told me...
If you have a pin hole in the top of your radiator, it will bleed off the pressure that is supposed to increase the boiling point.No pressure, coolant will boil at 212F.Anti freeze is just that "anti" freeze.The pressure in the cooling system is what raises the boiling point.Dude I think you need a new radiator or at least get that pin hole braized up.You may be able to solder it up if its really a pin hole and the brass isnt crusty and rotten around the hole.When you flushed it you said you did it twice.Did the water run clean after the second flush?? if not flush some more untill the water comes out clean.Easy way to test the water pumpull the radiator cap off(Do this w/a cold engine) Pinch off the top hose start the car,run for about 30 to 45 seconds and un clamp the hose.You should get a rush of coolant flowing through the rad if not the pump is done.Also,If the coolant was as bad as you say(I dont doubt that it was) the impeller blade on the pump may be rotted off in which case you need a pump.
I think its possible you may have a plugged radiator also.After 30 plus years of service its not uncommon.Dont panick,try the other stuff I mentioned first.You may have to pull the water pump off to verify that its rotten.Its a simple proceedure,you can do it.At most if its bad you will know what you need to do next.If its good,A cheap gasket and some time spent is all it will take to put it back together.Then you will have eliminated another variable in the equation allowing you to get that much closer to the problem.Its easey peasey my freind just go step by step and be logical about it,And in no time your freinds will be asking you for car advice.Good luck.Pete.
"Milky" rusty is not good. Didn't you say you just flushed the system? Wouldn't milky suggest oil in the water? Head gasket blown?
with the engine cold, and no pressure in the radiator. start the engine, while it is still cold squeeze the top radiator hose. Does it have pressure in it while cold and the engine running?
When the engine warms to running temperature, you should have pretty good flow of water from one side to the other (starting on the side where the hose comes in at the top and flowing the opposite direction). Also, water level may rise and fall when you push the accelerator, and may speed up the flow.
Oh no... This was when I had the cap off, just to see if there was any flow in there.. the bubbles came up inside the "capneck?"...
having just water, it will over heat faster. adding antifreeze to the mix, will allow the coolant to get to a higher temperature before boiling over. the thermostat could be stuck in the closed position, allowing the coolant in the engine to get super heated and then blowing out all of a sudden replace the thermostat and completely drain the water out and put a 60/40 mix of water/antifreeze in.. i bet it works like a champ afterwards
