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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: cgbdrummer on January 02, 2014, 11:49:16 PM

Title: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: cgbdrummer on January 02, 2014, 11:49:16 PM
The heat in my 79' has not been getting very hot, even after warming up the car for about 10 minutes. I don't know if it is the thermostat or not but I was wanting to check it myself, but I have no idea how. Also, while I'm dealing with the heating and cooling, I would like to do a full coolant flush, which includes the radiator and heater core so that I can get the most out of my heater and my engine. I've never done anything like this but I've read and watched a lot of videos about it on the internet so I was wondering if anyone could help me, step by step, check or replace my thermostat and flush out my coolant system. I know it is a lot to ask for but I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:33:56 AM
make sure the vacuum line going to the heater valve is on. If it is make sure the the valve is working. btw the heater valve is located on passenger side of engine bay pretty close to the  firewall, one of your heater hoses goes through it. if your going to drain coolant to do flush i would take the valve of clean it and test it with a vacuum game. Also if you have a fail safe thermostat it could be stuck open. I will take pictures and take you step by step and should post it after work. maybe saturday...
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: cgbdrummer on January 03, 2014, 09:21:27 AM
Ok great  thanks so much man. But I looked where you were talking about and I didn't see anywhere where I could turn it on or off ( ill post a picture). Also, it's about 25f outside and I drove my car down the road for a few minutes and the bottom radiator hose is warm but the top one is cold, it wasn't warm at all. So doesn't that mean my thermostat is stuck closed?
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: cgbdrummer on January 03, 2014, 09:48:04 AM
..
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: cgbdrummer on January 03, 2014, 12:24:17 PM
I drove the car a little more and it seems like the top radiator hose has started to warm up some, so i have no idea what it is. I still think that the therostat has something to do with it

Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: oldkayaker on January 03, 2014, 03:12:03 PM
Since your Pinto does not have A/C, there is no water control valve at the fire wall to worry about (per the photo and Ford manual).  Also the dampers are cable operated, so no vacuum hoses either per the manual.  My belief is that before the thermostat opens, the water pump circulates water through the block and head via the heater hoses to equalize temps.  The heater water pipes pictured should get hot long before the radiator hoses.  If they are hot and you have no heat inside, then look for a air duct blockage, stuck damper, etc.  Fortunately I have no 25*F experience, but could understand the engine taking a while to develop enough heat to fully open the thermostat.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 07:36:06 PM
well I'm going to tell you how to check for the heater valve even though its a manual
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 07:56:57 PM
Step one:  Know in your heart that your better than the non-pinto/bobcat  driver, Welcome to the wonderful world of pinto/bobcat maintenance.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:00:31 PM
Step 2:  Gather the necessary tool, and some optional tools if you have them.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:08:10 PM
Step 3a: locate heater valve. Connect vacuum hose, and apply 15 hg of vacuum wait to see if there is a drop in vacuum. IF no drop in vacuumdisconne ct hose and listen for a click of some sound of movement inside of valve
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:10:12 PM
Step 3b: Or you can listen for movement like this. By sucking on hose.  8)
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:12:42 PM
Step 4: Turn on heat and check vacuum hose with car running to make sure there is no vacuum to hose
Step 5: turn on ac to make sure there is vacuum to hose
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:17:58 PM
step 6: Locate drain cock on bottom of radiator(drivers side drain antifreeze into a drain pan or the floor or the dogs water bowl... as long as its out of the car i dont care lol
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:24:46 PM
step 7: insert hose to radiator  tighten drain cock and water and radiator flush to top of radiator. Run car till normal temp (5-15 mins) watch water level add as needed.open drain cock and run water while running car for 1 to 2 mins. Turn off car, drain radiator completely. If flush instructions are different on the bottle follow those instructions. Its been a while since i have flushed a radiator lol.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:34:13 PM
Step 8:  Remove heater hose and upper radiator hose from water outlet
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:38:16 PM
Step 9: Remove water outlet bolts (use 10mm socket)


BTW my timing cover is off so it may look a little different
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:40:21 PM
Step 10: pop off water outlet. using an screwdriver if you can't just pull it off.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:46:27 PM
Step 11: Take out thermostat. clean up water outlet by scraping off gasket/rtv silcon with a razor blade until you get to metal. Don't forget to clean the block as well.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 08:53:10 PM
Step 12: install new thermostat (note the longer side goes in block) put bolts through water outlet, and then put water outlet gasket on bolts so all you have to do is screw in bolt and your gasket is already lined up.
Step 12b: Remove heaters hose from water pump and intake. Flush heater core thoroughly with garden hose at low pressure. As long as you're dumping coolant.
Thank you REEVES1/SLOWRIDE for catching this!
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 09:04:33 PM
Step 13: put hoses(heater/upper radiator) back on, tighten clamps
Step 14: make sure you drain cock is closed, fill radiator with antifreeze buy full stength antifreeze mix it 50/50 unless you live somewhere very very cold do a 75/25 antifreeze/water mixture.
Step 15: run car with radiator cap off keep filling to make up for any air bubbles. make sure to look for leaks. If you have a coolant pressure tester put it tighten on radiator and pump up to 13-15psi. wait 10 mins to see if pressure drop. Or just run car for 10-15 minutes to check for leaks
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 09:09:56 PM
Step 16: Having no leaks bask in your glory as now you are a man's man. There is nothing you can't do, you are the cream of the crop, the beez nees,
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 03, 2014, 09:25:36 PM
I'm sorry for grammar/spelling this is how I Would do what you are trying to do but there are smarter people than me who probably correct me some where. Maybe use plastiguage for water outlet to water outlet gasket clearance lol
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: cgbdrummer on January 04, 2014, 12:31:55 AM
Wow, thanks to both of you guys for the replies. I'm gonna try and see if i can blow any crap out of the ducts and vents in the car and see if anything major comes out. And thanks for all the pictures! hopefully next weekend I'll be able to flush everything out and replace the thermostat. The pictures are very much appreciated! Thanks! i'll keep you posted.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: Srt on January 04, 2014, 03:22:57 AM
excellent!
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on January 04, 2014, 07:03:45 AM
Nice write up. ;D
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: Reeves1 on January 04, 2014, 07:09:01 AM
Only two things I'd do different....

First, I'd never buy an orange car  ;D

Second - I'd remove both heater core lines at the engine & back flush it.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on January 04, 2014, 07:12:13 AM
I'd never buy an orange car  ;D
Can always paint em, LOL.. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 04, 2014, 09:37:32 AM
Only two things I'd do different....

First, I'd never buy an orange car  ;D



Not as bad as yellow ;D
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: slowride on January 04, 2014, 12:49:55 PM
I'd maybe add step 12B - Remove heaters hose from water pump and intake. Flush heater core thoroughly with garden hose at low pressure. As long as you're dumping coolant....... .
Carry on with step 13
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 04, 2014, 03:38:44 PM
Yeah i was trying to make it as simple as possible. But if i was having heater problems that would be my first place to clean. i will add it
Step 12C: Remove radiator. remove heater core. Remove engine from car. remove head disassemble head and block removing any seals/or non metal components.
 Step 12d : acid wash all metal components. installations is reverse of disassemble lol.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: amc49 on January 04, 2014, 04:19:48 PM
If the stat sticks slightly open that will absolutely produce a 'heater not getting hot' issue. It should show up on temp gauge though as not quite getting fully hot. Your radiator hose temperature checks seem to verify it.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: Scott Hamilton on January 06, 2014, 02:19:43 PM
Love the pictures, humor.. everything!

Do more!

:)
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: jtowndown on January 06, 2014, 07:17:11 PM
I didn't think anyone notice the humor. lol I will go one on timing maybe i will post it saturday.
Title: Re: Check Thermostat and Full Coolant Flush
Post by: rramjet on January 06, 2014, 08:08:18 PM
Don't forget that low water level in the cooling system can also cause no or erratic heater operation. If it's low enough you won't even get an overheat warning. Temp bulbs don't react much to steam. Ask me how I know.