Coolant Temp Saga

spinelll

spinelll

Senior Member
I took some infrared measurements yesterday after a short drive and while idling.
Coolant - 185
Tank top - 185
Tank bottom - 175
Return pipe - 175
Block - 185

I also noticed foam while idling (attached). It disappeared shortly after shutting down.

I'm gonna take the radiator to a shop. Are the Les Andrews steps to remove a radiator accurate?

Thanks
Leo
 

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Before you remove the radiator I would do a compression check on all cylinders. That "foam" may be indicative of a head gasket leak.
 
Foam does not cool very well and may be the cause of your higher than normal temperatures. There are various things that can go in the radiator that will generate foam. Some antifreeze solutions can foam.

Drain the radiator and engine block. Add fresh water and run the car for a few miles. Drain again and repeat the rinse until there is no sign of any additions to the the water.

Drain a final time and add 50/50 antifreeze/water pre-mixed mixture up to the level of the baffle in the bottom of the top tank in the radiator. Get the antifreeze mixture that is recommended for older cars. It is usually green. See if this cures the foaming problem.
 
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If your radiator is only dropping the temp of the water 10 degrees it is not working. There should be a drop of 20-30 degrees. Measure the temp of the cylinders below the water jacket. Also the top of the head on the number 4 cylinder. The compression test will tell you if you have a leaky head gasket.
 
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