Blowing out the water jacket.
 

I am getting very close to restarting the engine. :ennyd:

My dad suggested I "blow out the water jacket" with compressed air.

She has not run since 2006 so this might be a good idea.

But first I should ask, what would you guys do in order to clean out the water jacket? How would you do it?

Is there a commercially available set up for this?

Where might I find it?

If not, how might I do it with compressed air?

Thanks!

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Not sure what you expect to achieve. If the engine was left with only water in it, it could be good and corroded. Air won't help that. If it was left dry, it should be OK. Maybe get it running and use a cooling system cleaner if it needs it. Since it is out of the truck, take a good look at the freeze plugs and change any that look suspect, or just do them all. It's a ton easier now than when it's in the truck.

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

What makes you think it's out of the truck? :lol:

Truck was parked with antifreeze in system.

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Benadryl. I see weird things when I take that stuff. :D I have a cold.

I guess if the antifreeze is still good, just fire it up and see how it runs.

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Suggest you dont drop the antifreeze out especially if you have dogs and or cats...its not good for the little ones...

Just start it up, make sure the thermostat opens correctly....and check for leaks...

Dont be surprised if the thermostat sticks...they dont like sitting idle for extended periods of time...

Might be an idea to just replace it first...not hard and in-expensive....there is an old trick that works perfectly...drill a 1/8" hole in the side flange of the thermostat to bleed the air out of the engine...stops an air lock under the thermostat...you drill the thermostat itself, not the housing or manifold....

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Steeveedee,

Let me ask you something. Are you using a cell phone to view this site? If so, it might be difficult to see all of the posts. I don't think cell phones are cut out for much internet viewing.

Oh? Do not drill into the engine itself? Thanks! :lol: Good idea about drilling into the thermostat, I would not have thought about that.

Dad has suggested I replace that before going much further also (original owner).

Oh no, I wouldn't poor antifreeze onto the garage floor, I don't spill things on purpose.

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Some guys drain the antifreeze and add straight water with a cup of liquid dishwashier soap. Run the engine to operating tempbthenndrain and refill with fresh antifreeze..you want to run the heater while you flush so the core gets cleaned out too.
Hth,
Ben
:metal:

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Try this stuff:

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/d28...0&odnBg=FFFFFF

Then flush and neutralize with Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. Not baking soda Its different stuff.

Be sure to use a relief in the system if blowing pressurized air into it. The cooling system cold blow apart on you. I did a write up on cooling system flushing with pressurized air a while back, cant find it.

More info: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=680052&page=2

Post #35

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Heater core is new, never used. It was pressure tested according to the shop I got it from.

Ugh....guys, I am a little uncomfortable trying anything. I'll just swap out the thermostat and fill the new radiator with antifreeze. Next spring, when I get it to a shop for the suspension work, I'll have them do a "royal flush" and ask them about it.

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

I seen a guy once try and blow out an oil cooler once with shop
air (120 psi) needless to say it inflated like a rubber ball until the tubes burst!
Most cooling systems run no more than 15 psi pressure caps anyways. Anything else you're asking for trouble.
Ben
:metal:

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Your overthinking all of this, hence why your always hesitant to try and do them on your own.
Leave what's in the system, get it running good an hot, then replace coolant. These trucks are overly simple, easy to work on.
I've been playing with them since I was 16, had a Chilton repair manual, and figure it out on my own. You can't be afraid to make mistakes, it's how most of us learn.
I've found forums will actually make a person second guess everything they've always done before with ease.

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

"why you're always hesitant to try and do them on your own."

"Always hesitant?" What is this? Have you been reading my posts over the years or something? LOL :lol:

Re: Blowing out the water jacket.
 

Yep;)