So I've perused this forum for help all the time but never had the need to post anything until now. I'm just trying to get a feel for your guys' best guess as to what my problem may be. I'm not much of a motorhead and I figure just about everyone in this forum would know more than myself on this issue.

Let me start by saying that my 1998 F150 has 236,500 miles.

And I love it.

Just want to avoid having to purchase another vehicle in this magnificent economy.

Long story, short:

- Blew head gasket.
- Temporary fixed head gasket with Steel Seal (poured directly into top radiator hose). Thus far, it's working well. Oil and coolant aren't mixing anymore and it doesn't overheat just getting out of the neighborhood.
- HOWEVER it still overheats when going up hills.
- Top radiator hose hot as hell. Bottom is cool to the touch.
- Radiator won't drain
- Heat doesn't work
- I took the thermostat out in case that was an issue but nothing has changed.

Does it sound like a clogged radiator causing the overheating? Could it be anything else causing those symptoms?

I would love to get another 9-12 months out of it.

 

I should say JUST a clogged radiator causing the overheating. It isn't draining so clearly it's clogged somewhere.