Ok, installed Hughes plenum and all that fun stuff, install went great no more oil leaking etc. Just so you know that I pulled everything off the top of my 318.

Problem is I am unable to bleed the air out of my coolant. The upper radiator hose isn't the slightest bit warm after 5-10 min of idling and my temp gauge doesn't move at all. I've tried jacking up the front of the truck but no success. Heater core still makes gurgling noises upon startup. At a loss of what to try next. Need the help as we're cutting wood this weekend and I need my girl running.

N00b question, but the spring on the thermo is supposed to be aimed towards the block, with the little cone facing towards the sky? It's the only thing I can think of that I screwed up.

Thanks, Oren

 

should only go in one way you live in ohio you aware that its only 10 degrees out? second start truck hold rpms to about 2000 watch the coolent level in the rad pour in what is needed take it out till it warms up say around the block a couple of times.. you could have a defective thermo.. did you install a new one or reuse old one? if reused get a new one.

 

Yeah I know, about to pull icicles outta my nose lol. Il try the 2000 rpm then after I pull the thermo and test it in boiling water. I did purchase a new one but I've heard multiple stories about them being defective.

But like I said, the hoses aren't becoming hot at all so the coolant isn't moving. Fluid is clear so the thermo not opening is the only thing I can think of.

 

think about that water pump to how old is it?

 

I have no idea as to the age of the pump, never had to mess with it yet and there were no problems with any part of the coolant system until now.

 

i just did mine, and i noticed i can wiggle my fan and the water pump pully moves about 1/8" back and forth, i know i need to change it, but my temp its still fine, check and see if it wiggles like that. did you run it with the radiator cap off? if not park it, take the cap off and run it the air should come out theres something in the DIY section about it.

 

when you bleed the cooling system do the following.

1. pour in coolant with vehicle off until filled.
2. Jack up pass. side of truck that the pass. side. is the highest point.
3. Put heat on full blast/defrost
4. Start truck and add coolant accordingly.


also on thermostat there is a jiggler valve (very small brass thingy) and i found to get best results when thats facing the manifold.

 

I changed back to the stock thermo and now the radiator hoses are nice and toasty . Still have a little gurgle from the heater core so il jack up the side of the truck and let her idle it out.

Now I just have to figure out why my temp gauge isn't working lol.

Many thanks.

 

when you did the plenum you had to unhook the coolant temp sensor...maybe it got damaged