My sister in law was driving my truck last weekend and when she pulled in the driveway it was steaming, of course she had no idea what a temperature gage is! Anyway I thought the t-stat had failed so put a new one on then realized the radiator was leaking BAD, I assume from getting to hot, so I ordered a new radiator and put it on today, but the truck is still over heating!! I'm hoping it is just air, but my question is how would I tell if its just air and not the water pump? And whats the best way to bleed the air? Thanks!!!

 

I drive the truck onto a curb on the radiator fill side so that only the front passsenger wheel is elevated. Then I take of the cap (cold truck only please!) and let the truck idle for 5-10 minutes to let the t stat open and the air to flow out. keep filling until its full and no more bubbling.

To check if the water pump has gone out, place your hand on the upper radiator hose (the one that goes to the top driver side of the rad) BEFORE the truck warms up. As soon as the tstat opens the upper tube will get hot very quickly, you'll feel the hot coolant flow thru it. If it doesn't get hot within 10 minutes or so, and you're truck overheats according to the CEL and temp guage, then the water pump isn't pushing coolant thru the system anymore.

 

How hot has it gotten? Did she drive it red line for a while? just curious

 

When you fill it you should also turn the heat on full blast.

 

Not sure how hot or how long it was over heating, I dont think it did any damage to the head gaskets, at least I hope. When I pulled the top radiator hose off after It had been running the coolant that came out was very hot, so hopefully that means the water pump is ok. I'm heading out now to try and bleed the system.

 

Went out and parked it on an incline, filled radiator while truck was running, waited about 15 mins then added more. Took the truck out on the highway and it never got above 180!! Thanks for the advice!!!!!!