1971 Kaiser M35A2 temp. problem

[Lenny]

I just bought this truck. This is my first duece and a half and I really don't know much about these so I would sincerely appreciate any help and advice. It's a 1971 Kaiser with a multifuel diesel engine. The first time we took it for a ride I noticed that after about 5 miles the temperature was climbing up towards 220 degrees. We brought it back to the house and checked the coolant and found it to be topped off and hot. However I felt the radiator core starting from the top and working my way down. For about the first 4 inches or so the core was warm but as I moved towards the bottom it gradually got cooler. The bottom area was ice cold. I was under the impression that the only thing that would cause this was a plugged core however in speaking with some repair people about cooling systems in general it was suggested to me that the thermostat may not be opening. This truck has an optional military heater kit mounted in the engine compartment and both hoses to it are hot, and my son mentioned that he had gotten heat at one point when he drove it. so I would think that means that the thermostat is opening. Is that correct? What would be a proper way to troubleshoot this problem? Thanks, Lenny

 

[Aussie Bloke]

G'day everyone,....


Going by what you have said it sounds like you have a circulation issue, I would start with the thermostat.
Take it out and test it to find out if it is in fact opening and if so at what temp it opens,...

If its not the thermostat then you may have a blockage elsewhere in the system.



Aussie.

 

[Roaddog58]

thermostat

 

[FloridaAKM]

Thermostat is the first item to test after your inspection, it may be dragging or worse, not opening @ all. A new one & gasket will fix the problem provided your problem is as described! Keep us posted as what you do to fix her!

 

[gimpyrobb]

Don't waste time and money. Pull the thermostat and take it inside. Drop it in a pot of water and set that on the stove. Heat it up watch it open, record what temp it opens. Post back up here in the thread. It should open about 180*.

 

[doghead]

Confirm that your heater hoses are in the correct locations. If they are not your bypassing the thermostat.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[m109a2]

Hey Gimpy that is what I am screaming send the old lady on a goose chase boil some water and check I use a candy thermometer there is your problem or not.

 

[gimpyrobb]

DH could be right too though. Check the hose routing, or post a pic.

 

[Lenny]

I think that as you guys suggested I'll pull the thermostat first and check it in water. I have done this before so I'm familiar with doing it. The routing of the hoses though is something I never would have thought of. I've got to get some manuals for this truck. There is a plate screwed into the dash just over the glove compartment that lists 4 TM's that apparently pertain to this truck. They are as follows:

1. Operation manual, TM9-2320-209-10
2. Lubrication order, LO9-2320-209-12
3.Maintenance manual, TM9-2320-209-20
4.Parts list, TM9-2320-209-20P

Would these manuals be available for download on this site? Also is it feasible to try to get printed ones? And until I find them in the meantime would anyone have an easy way to get to a hose routing diagram that they could possibly share with me so that I can rule that out? Thanks for the help and advice. I really appreciate it, Lenny

 

[SCSG-G4]

1. Operation manual, TM9-2320-209-10
2. Lubrication order, LO9-2320-209-12
3.Maintenance manual, TM9-2320-209-20
4.Parts list, TM9-2320-209-20P

Would these manuals be available for download on this site?

Yes, in the sticky at the top of the deuce section, and in the TM section a,d also available from John Tennis, Igor Chudov, and radionerds, all for free. Printed copies can be found on e-bay, but are expensive if you get the full set.

 

[Hollypk]

Gimpy and Doghead would be right!!! T-stat, although I would know nothing about the hose routing as I have the Arctic heater. It wouldn't hurt to flush the system while your at it. If it's old and murky, maybe it looks like chocolate milk and a thick consistency "I have seen this" that sediment can settle in the bottom of the radiator. I have let a garden hose run through systems just to get as much "mud" out as I could, and a flush is always just good every once I awhile.

 

[gimpyrobb]

If doing a flush, Cascade soap works wonders on cooling systems.

 

[Lenny]

Do you mean automatic dishwasher detergent?

 

[daytonatrbo]

Not to hijack a thread, but; Can anyone tell me if these thermostats commonly fail open? My M109 gets up to temp nicely, but my M35 takes a long time for the needle to start moving, and never gets above about 1/3 of sweep, or less than 160°F.

Any thoughts on that?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Do you mean automatic dishwasher detergent?

Yes. it doesn't "suds up" and cause issues in your coolant system, but cleans it out VERY well.

 

[Aussie Bloke]

G'day everyone,....

Yes. it doesn't "suds up" and cause issues in your coolant system, but cleans it out VERY well.

In what format?

Liquid/gel or pellet/powder?



Aussie.

 

[WillWagner]

Liquid

 

[SCSG-G4]

G'day everyone,....

Most of it here in the USA is in the powder form. YMMV.



In what format?

Liquid/gel or pellet/powder?



Aussie.[/QUOTE]

 

[The King Machine]

Not to hijack a thread, but; Can anyone tell me if these thermostats commonly fail open? My M109 gets up to temp nicely, but my M35 takes a long time for the needle to start moving, and never gets above about 1/3 of sweep, or less than 160°F.

Any thoughts on that?

Mine has the same issue, I put a new thermostat in when I did the head gaskets. It will stay at 160 deg. and not move above or below. I saw it move only one time it reached 180-190 while I hauled my trailer and camping gear up through the mountain passes.

My old thermostat would hover around the 180 mark normally.

 

[gimpyrobb]

The deuce is known for running cool. Bjorn(cranetruck) even fitted his with an imitation winter guard to run in the summer to keep his temp up. Try blocking half the radiator with a pizza box and run around for a bit before you get too crazy searching for issues.