thats a pretty shweet funnel set. this is the crazy pneumatic filler i mention earlier just put one end in a jug of coolant and flip the valve. Its a bit pricey for my blood though.

 

Holy smokes, they are pretty proud of that little hunk of aluminum.... But then, probably 3/4 of the price is the "Snap-on" script painted on there.....

I think I would rather spend a tenth the price on the funnel. It's hands-free too.

 

Couldn't agree with you more... You could probably build 5 of them in your garage for the price they want.

 

No kidding!

 

To answer another one of the op questions the stronger the anfreeze mixture the less cooling capability it has... water is a better heat exchanger than antifreeze but has a higher freeze point hence why we mix it 50/50.

 

Thanks! Elkins Park, Pa suburbs of Philadelphia.

 

I think I may try flushing my heater core as it does eventually heat my truck but the air is not as run-you-out hot as it used to be and on certain days I hear it gurgling

 

LOL at you guys. Think I am gonna lover it around here ...a good laugh is what you need when you are anxious and your truck is not running. The plastic funnel kit is not too bad (cost) but you pretty much gotta order it and can get one for as low as $30 plus bucks and had no time to wait for mail. That $238 gadget sure looks nice but I could probably get three flush and fills at the garage for that.

The driveway has a nice pitch to it and so I parked it engine side up. Took one of those ramps (jack ramps or whatever you call them) and put one under the passenger side wheel to prop up the radiator opening as suggested. Turned it on and waited for the thermostat to pop between 180 and 200. Filled it up (had someone help me to watch guage). Took another gallon of mixed antifreeze and water (mixed self to save 90 percent). Started heating a bit and then went down and started running great.

Took it to the gas station and back to get some gas. I had two noises in the engine before this and they are BOTH gone (one up front and one that sounded like it was in the rear of the engine and one in the front - in defense of another mechanic he did tell me the water pump sounded odd but no temp issues at that point ). BOTH noises gone. Running cooler than it was before problem never going above 200. Engine even sounds better. Heater is working MUCH better.

Cannot thank you guys enough and will be doing the valve cover gaskets myself when weather breaks. Spreadsheeted costs of mechanic and doing it myself which I am including to help others in exchange for the help I received. Providing that below so it might help others in deciding what to do). Thanks again and I will forever burp and celebrating with some beers here. So freaking happy right now! Thanks again!

Analysis:

Mechanic Estimate was a total of $457.92:
$104 Water pump - $104
$78 Belt
$30 Coolant
$220 Labor
$25.92 Tax

BUT: Ended up needing additional parts: $66.99 Serpantine Belt tensioner and $26 for two hoses. Mechanic markup over my cost on parts was approx 60% for water pump and 100% for belt. Assuming 80% markup, additional mechanic part cost is $165.60 (exclusive of tax) plus 1 hour labor for $100.

Mechanic Cost to compare: $457.92 + $165.60 additional parts + additional $100 labor + $15.94 tax for estimated total of $739.46!

Actual total cost parts w/taxes: $242.79
Estimated mechanic parts cost: $400.26
Estimated parts cost savings (mechanic - actual): $157.46!

Actual parts cost with tax included in each item:
Tensioner $72.35
Dayco Ribbed Belt $36.71
Radiator Hose $15.11
Bypass Hose Tube $10.79
Permatex Sealant $4.20
Coolant $12.95
Coolant $12.95
Coolant $12.95
Water pump $64.79
Total $242.79

Total estimated Mechanic Cost: $739.46
Total my cost (no cost for labor of course): $242.79
Total savings = $496.67, more than mechanic's original estimate!

Note: Did not have tools and had to spend $84.62 on tools:

$53.87 - socket set (metric and standard)
$26.99 - metric wrench set
$3.77 - funnel

Even with cost of tools, estimated saving is $412.05 (but still have tools to use and save later)! Took quite a bit of time but I enjoyed it!

I figure it took about 10 hours, 5 trips to store took about 4 hours for a total of 14. That comes out to making about $29.43 per hour plus the "free" tools. Yeah!

 

I made a post yesterday that said it was waiting for moderation but never got posted and I don't see it anymore. Did I do or say something in the post that I should not have? Thanks in advance.

 

Where did you post it at? I am not seeing anything on my end.

Glad ya got your truck fixed. Buying tools is NEVER a bad investment.