Coolant system woes on a truck from Ballard, WA.

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81ChevyK20

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May 6, 2023
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Location
Dayton, WA
First Name
Ben
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350ci
Hey all,

I've been chasing an overheating issue, as the truck has some corrosion in the cooling system. Had the intake off and did my best to clean the ports, but they're still pretty clogged. Removed the radiator and flushed it, short cycled coolant away from the heater core. New thermostat (including sheared bolts on removal, had to tap hole to 3/8" :confused:) temp sensor has a rusty plug in it that I don't dare take out. I have a new radiator in the shop but waiting to fund a new intake manifold, gasket set, and temp sensor. Also looking to add gauges as needed and bypass the factory printed circuit on the cluster. If anyone knows where to get individual 2 1/16" and 5 3/8" diameter (and please double-check me on size,) I would appreciate it. Looking to replace temp sensor and fuel gauge first (it's one of the larger ones like the speedo.)

I didn't see anything redundant, but I apologize if this post is.
I appreciate this community and I hope to get this cooling issue wrapped up, get the timing and fuel mixture dialed in, buff this thing out, and make it glorious! Also looking at adding a 2" lift (don't try to get me to go higher haha) and new shocks (it has dual in the front) so I can set it up for an in-bed camper and be able to tow my 17' Glasply behind the whole thing. It'll be beautiful! :)

-Thanks,
Ben Eddy
 

GTX63

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Tennessee
First Name
Ty
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
350
Just a few questions to help me understand.
What were the symptoms? Overheating at road speed? At Idle? How did you verify besides the coolant gauge? I'm not sure I understand what you mean by short cycling coolant away from the heater core.
 

Grit dog

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Auburn, Washington
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Todd
Truck Year
1986, 1977
Truck Model
K20, C10
Engine Size
454, 350
^Bypassed heater core I’d imagine.
 

Grit dog

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Auburn, Washington
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1986, 1977
Truck Model
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Engine Size
454, 350
@81ChevyK20
Looks like a nice straight truck!
For the gauge cluster, I’d seriously think about picking up a used one. As many of these trucks are out here. Should be able to find a decent used one without much trouble and economically.
Maybe describe the overheating in more detail to get some help diagnosing it.
 

Old Guy Bill

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KY
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Bill
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
400
Possibly the water pump impeller or clutch fan issues…
 

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