Ok so my engine is over heating and this is what my radiator is doin. I dont know much but ik that aint good

 

Im guessing your fill neck is supposed to be vertical. Not slanted.. I say the radiator is just aged and weak In that area.. could need a new cap with a lower pressure release.

 

A couple questions:

1. Is it the original radiator?
2. Have you ever had it flushed and pressure tested?
3. What does your coolant mix test out to?
4. Are your hoses hard (pressurized)?
5. What weight (16-19lb) cap is that?

 

the truck is 28 years old and a new radiator runs from $130.00 to 250.00 at advanced auto.There is also the pick and pull yards for parts.I would just replace it with a new one if you have the funds and saave a lot of heart burn.

 

My thermostat and water pump are bad. I replaced the thermostat but not the water pump

 

Replace the water pump.This is my apring project on my 1982. I stuck some bars leak in mine and it stoped leaking for now.Water pump is approx $35.00 local auto parts(advanced auto for me).It's 2 degress below zero where i am at so changing ther water pump is out of the question for now.

 

I would say you are correct, as far as I know hot water enters the radiator at the top, and returns to the engine through the water pump at the lower hose, thermostat closes and lets water stay in rad long enough to be cooled and then opens and water pump does its job. BUT the rad could be clogged up in the middle as well. I would not pressure flush it but a good regular flush may help

 

I would reccommend having it rodded out.They take a rod and descale each pass with the rod and then flush. I think it cost me like $75.00 bucks at the local radiator repair shop.A flush is always good but i believe if it's rodded out and then flushed you get a more quality descale.