Deuce spitting coolant, but why? - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

maddawg308 · 09-21-2007, 00:51

Hope someone responds to this soon, plan to leave for Gilbert PA in about 4 hours and hope this is nothing major...

I changed the oil in the deuce today, checked all the systems to prep for the trip to PA. Filled the radiator all the way to the top. Then I took a 40-minutes ride around town doing errands. On the way there and back, when the deuce was being taxed, going up hills and going 55mph down the road, there were some splashes of coolant coming out the driver's side engine access panel, enough to splash a half-gallon or so of coolant down the left side of the truck. Had to hose it off at home.

Here's the thing I can't figure out: no leaks in the radiator. No visible leaks in any of the hoses. ONLY did it when the deuce was being heavily burdened by my gas pedal foot. Could not replicate this when I parked the deuce and pulled out the throttle for a few minutes. When the engine was shut off and cooled down, I checked the oil, no water or foam or anything like that, just perfect. Removed the radiator cap, coolant was still pretty high, close to where I filled it to, and the top of the radiator was relatively cool.

Also, something I noticed, is it supposed to be pretty hot in a deuce cab, with no heater, when it is operating?

maddawg308 · 09-21-2007, 00:52

Side note: sorry, can't use the temp gauge as an indicator - it's not functioning. Think the wiring or the temp sending unit is shot.

Any ideas what could be causing this spraying coolant problem?

DDoyle · 09-21-2007, 01:09

Hmmmm - do ya suppose the T-stat stuck? Was it overfilled to begin with? Do you have the fuel turned up?

builder77 · 09-21-2007, 01:17

This sounds a little more then what my deuce does. My deuce does not like to be topped off all the way up. It will spit up a little bit until it reaches the level it likes.

maddawg308 · 09-21-2007, 01:20

I don't know what level it should be at. Except for the small amount of the radiator you can see through the bent filler neck, all I know is fill it up to the top.

Ethan - hope you're right. Don't wanna get stranded in PA tomorrow.

How hot does your deuce get since it has found it's happy spot in terms of coolant level?

builder77 · 09-21-2007, 01:25

Well usually when it is "happy" it is at the bottom of the elbow looking into the radiator cap. Perhaps the 1/2 gallon you thought you saw was not quite that much. I hope you can get the parts you need to get your temp. gauge working. Oh and yes you will think that the heater is stuck on in the deuce cab. Wear shorts. Your lower body will cook while the rest of you is fine. The funny thing is that durring the winter you will think that your heater is not working. Kinda screwy.

maddawg308 · 09-21-2007, 01:32

Okay, where is the thermostat in the deuce, just so I know where to check tomorrow if there are any problems?

The level of my coolant is currently about 1 inch down from the radiator cap, but still much higher than where yours is "happy".

builder77 · 09-21-2007, 01:43

Unfortunatly I don't know where the thermostat is. I did some searching, but did not find any pics of where it might be.

builder77 · 09-21-2007, 02:11

Could that be the thermistat housing at the bottom left of this pic right next to the top radiator hose, and forward of the cold start heater?

JDToumanian · 09-21-2007, 03:41

Yes, that's the thermostat, but I wouldn't pull it unless you confirm overheating. My deuce will burp up some coolant if filled all the way, too... Remember, there is no expansion tank like most cars (and trucks) have, so if you fill it completely it will certainly blow out the excess in order to make expansion room. Also, if you were overheating, I think you'd know it... I'd say your deuce is normal.

One more thing... make sure your radiator cap is good... check the gasket. The overflow should come out the little tube along the side, not from around the cap. Make sure that tube is clear, too... mine was clogged with a wasp mud nest, and I had to "rod it out" with a piece of steel.

Jon