My 1969 Patrol

[RiverPatrol]

Well, from the looks of the upper radiator hose, I can imagine that the entire cooling systems has been neglected for a while. I would recommend and entire cooling system service: all new hoses and clamps, replace the thermostat, flush the radiator and engine and maybe even have the radiator rodded out. I've done this before on hot running Patrols and that takes care of the problem. They just need some love and they repay in kind.

[Andrew]

I will add these items to my list of things to do on the NP this week. I have the parts compatibility list so I will use that. Just remembered that I need to change the fan belt as well.

[Esteban]

Andrew, before starting to throw money at it, you first have to make sure if you have or not a problem with the cooling system.

Get an infrared thermometer at HarborFreight or Sears. It will pay by itself, and later on will become an invaluable tool for multiple applications.

Check that the fan belt is with the right tension. Bring the engine to operating temperature, and start taking some readings with the thermometer. See the following picture that I took some months ago when I changed the water pump. The infrared probe is aimed just about the temperature sending (see the little dot at the edge of the rust and the paint). In my case, I'm running a 180°F (82°C) thermostat. The temperature readings were constantly changing from 176°F to 185°F (80°C-85°C) due to the opening of the thermostat. Please don't pay attention at the little insert showing the temperature at the gauge, since it's not working properly. I need to work on it,

Temperature reading.jpg

These were other readings that I got:
At top of radiator: 172°F (78°C)
At bottom radiator pipe: 122°F (50°C)

If your engine is in fact running too hot, take the thermostat out, and run the engine without it for further troubleshooting. Instead of a gasket at the thermostat cover, you can use silicone gasket maker. Do the tests again, and you'll have a really good idea of what could be the problem, if there's one. Make sure to put the thermostat or a new one back.

[RiverPatrol]

Esteban is so right; I still need to get one of those thermometers.

I think you can agree though that the cooling systems needs some attention. I don't think it would be throwing money at it by providing necessary service. Just from the looks of the hose it is apparent that the cooling system needs attention.

[Esteban]

I think you can agree though that the cooling systems needs some attention. I don't think it would be throwing money at it by providing necessary service. Just from the looks of the hose it is apparent that the cooling system needs attention.

Definitely all the hoses will need to be replaced. They look in a sorry condition, but mostly out of aging rather than use. My idea when I have a problem, is always to troubleshoot first, even though, as in this case, parts need to be changed no matter what.

[Andrew]

Having some issues bleeding the brakes. I know this should be simple but not for me. I am using a brake kit that sucks the fluid down the tubes. I got two of the bleed screws loosened and fluid basically pours out. I could not get any fluid out of the left front and it seems to be leaking somewhere in the drum area. The right rear has a striped bolt. I used a lot of penetrating fluid and a vice grip and could not get it loosened. Any suggestions?

[Coyote Patrol]

It sounds like one or both of the left front wheel cyl is bad. Now on the bolt, are you talking about the bleeder screw? Try puting the vice grip on there and tap on the bleeder with a hammer while you are trying to loosen it. This should do the trick!

[Andrew]

It sounds like the left front wheel cyl is bad. Now on the bolt, are you talking about the bleeder screw? Try puting the vice grip on there and tap on the bleeder with a hammer while you are trying to loosen it. This should do the trick!

Thanks! I'll give this a try. Any good places to get a new brake cylinder?

[Coyote Patrol]

There is 2 on each side in the front. There were some on ebay, not sure if there still there! If you cant find any i have some rebuilt cyls. Or some cups to rebuild yours. As long as they are 1" bores.

[miksum56]

These are on ebay right now. He has front and rears right now! http://www.ebay.com/itm/230948761266?ss ... 1438.l2649