Here in lies my delema as well... Seems folks now days throw away rather than repair... Both shops I used to go to are no longer...

 

yeah try finding a rad shop that will fix/clean a copper one they all just want to sellyou a new one

 

Find a small shop that works on farm tractors and construction equipment radiators

 

got my ultraguage this morning!. seems like it goes up to 225 once everytime i warm up the truck. very odd but it stays pretty consistent after the first spike, usually 195-205

 

The "overshoot" is normal, in that an electronic digital device is tracking the mechanical thermostat. The first cycle is hot, then each one after is a little less, until a stable operation takes place at a steady speed and load. With a 180F stat my D1 does like 183 - 187. $10 stat, don't use the "fail safe" styles.

 

i will change out thermostat, hoses, and coolant with water wetter when i get back from my trip.

so far so good with my 240 dollar aluminum radiator!