Diagnosis Query: Blown Rad hose

[Trapper50cal]

Hey guys,

Here's the deal...

Blew a lower radiator hose...small hole billowing steaming antifreeze
you get the picture. Temp gauge went through the roof but as I was
limping it the 3 blocks to home, it seemed to be running BETTER with
the temp off the charts??!!!

Other than changing the hoses (all of them + the better non/oem style hose clamps) refilling it with 50/50 plus some water-wetter, burping it and checking to see if temp gets back in range & thermo is working...

What should I do in the way of diagnosis for any head issues?

Does the fact that it seemed to run better hot indicate head warpage or head gasket issues that were sealed up by expansion?

IS the fact that most of these 2F's run a bit rich stock the reason for better running hot for a more complete burn on combustion? or is that a bunch of hooey?

What should I be doing other than checking oil for water, to make sure everything is okay?

 

[zuluzeugma]

Do a compression check. That will tell you a lot

 

[jvazquez53]

You'll be surprised how sturdy these creatures are. Remember Land Cruisers are used in a lot of third world countries for a reason; they can handle some serious punishment.

 

[Trapper50cal]

agreed

Oh, I know they can take punishment. I am just wondering about the fact that it ran better hot, doesn't seem to make sense unless something was different than it should be.

I mean the temp gauge was topped out well past the hottest mark.

Plus it (the motor) had burst a hose and gotten hot with the previous owner too and she had caught it early. I just wonder about the head/head gasket....

hasn't shown signs of antifreeze in the oil

idk...

 

[jvazquez53]

Had the same problem recently, it was a combination of factors that created the heating issues. First, radiator was filthy, the fan clutch needed grease, and a bad brand new thermostat. I got rid of the thermostat, (we don't use them here) the truck is running between 165-180 without. Our ambient temp is around 80-87 during the day. Put some of that silicone stuff in the fan clutch and had the radiator rodded. Until today, the truck is running great. Since you do not have any signs of antifreeze in the oil, I would not be very concerned, at least if my truck is running good, I would leave it alone.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

I mean the temp gauge was topped out well past the hottest mark.

...

Here's something to consider. Air heats up much faster than coolant. If an air pocket from the now open system was hanging out around where the sensor is, then it was giving a false reading. Reading air temp and not coolant temp. This is an if with a moderate dose of maybe, but entirely possible. Doesn't explain why you felt it was running better, but perhaps the block wasn't quite as hot as the gauge led you to believe.

 

[Matt60]

do you use a mechanical temp gauge?
i'd look under the oil fill cap for moisture content, oil stick for milk and tail pipe for smoke. i used to have my mirrors angled right toward the tail pipe for the longest time. hay but thats me-