What is going on with my radiator (I think)

[Zack1978]

Hey everyone,
My 87 fj60 has a cooling issue that seems to have just started when the warmer temps hit. When you are running down the highway the temp gauge gets almost to the red zone, and it basically stays there (the AC is on as well). It seems to cool a tiny bit when you get off the highway. Today when I got home I popped the hood, and the coolant was bubbling back into the reserve tank a lot! Do you think that my radiator is clogged? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Zack

PS: I don't know if this is related but on Friday when I changed the oil I used Amsoil Engine flush before the old oil was taken out. Do you think that is related?

 

[chitown40]

Sounds like a restriction somewhere. Anything leaking? If you're running all stock stuff my first inclination would be the radiator. Do a flush and see what comes out, and also look for any leaks and go from there.


Also check your oil and coolant for signs of one of the other. Make sure you don't have a head gasket problem before you start tearing into the cooling system. The AMSoil flush shouldn't matter unless your head gasket is failing or dislodged enough crud that was keeping your head gasket all sealed up right.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

When you are running your AC it will run a little hotter, least mine does. If you need to drive it before you get it found out, just turn the heater on front and rear and that should help get the temps back down.

I would be looking to see what the culprit is though also.

Been thru deep mud lately that might clog up the radiator ? Also what is your mix of water versus antifreeze ? not enough water will cause something like this also.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Also the best way to find out where the bad part is that i found was to use one of them infared gadjets to see where it was cooler versus hotter.

 

[Zack1978]

When you are running your AC it will run a little hotter, least mine does. If you need to drive it before you get it found out, just turn the heater on front and rear and that should help get the temps back down.

I would be looking to see what the culprit is though also.

Been thru deep mud lately that might clog up the radiator ? Also what is your mix of water versus antifreeze ? not enough water will cause something like this also.

Well it seems to do it either way, ac on or off. Do you think something just got lodged somewhere in the rad? Can someone give me the steps to flushing my rad? Use the petcock on the bottom of the rad?
Thanks
Zack

 

[zebrabeefj40]

Usually if the truck will not stay cool on the highway there is a flow issue with the radiator. Either it's clogged with crap on the outside (bugs and dirt) or the inside (stop leak and other goop). I'd drain the system, pull the radiator and take it to a radiator shop for a flush and flow test. Last time I had that done on a 40 radiator it cost maybe $50 at the most and looked like new when I got it back.

My 60 now needs the same deal as it can't keep it's cool now that the weather had warmed up. Unfortunately I know mine needs a new core and a better fan clutch. Gotta talk to the rad shop tomorrow to find out which direction I'm going with it.

HTH,
Nick

 

[brian]

what condition are the rad fins in?

 

[archie]

other things to do.
mark/check coolant level in the resevoir to see if you are losing any.
try looking for bluish smoke in you exhast/tail pipe (after warm up) for symptoms of possible head gasket leak.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Has anyone suggested a new thermostat. I know that on other vehicles I have owned when these start to fail the temp spring will start to act funny and not open or not fully open or remained open depending on when it dies. This would hender flow of coolant through the system.

good luck and keep us posted. clint

 

[High Desert]

Thermostat stuck closed or part way closed..Thtat's my bet..