Your both correct

 

So... Do I get half the prize?

 

I picked up a radiator test kit at Harbor Freight today, going to give it a shot when I get home (hope it fits).

 

The waterfall sound is a symptom of air in the cooling system, but not necessarily a problem. These trucks can be tough to bleed, and the waterfall means it wasn't fully bled. If the temp is holding steady, the air in the system is minor.

However, the temp gauge on these trucks is useless, so look I to buying an ultra gauge ASAP for an accurate temp readout.

 

That's the next thing on my list. I'm debating on mounting options right now.

 

So I picked up a radiator pressure tester from Harbor Freight today and tried it out when I got home. I made a complete write-up on my website here. Long story short, it held 15psi without leaking for over an hour. I assume this is a positive result? The radiator and all the hoses appear brand new, and I believe I found remnants of paint marker on one of the cylinder head bolts. Though that may just be wishful thinking.

The biggest issue I think is the rocker cover gasket leaking oil. But I appreciate any wise suggestions. Thanks again, these forums rock!

 

You're not done yet...

holding pressure with waterfall sound means air in system.

Proper bleeding is an issue as mentioned above.

You can do it yourself.

The proper method to bleed is as follows:

Only to be done at stone cold engine temp while engine is off.

Remove overflow tank from mount and elevate it as high as the brittle hoses will allow without breaking...

Open top of overflow tank.

Open and remove screw in top of "T" going into top of radiator.

Be prepared to refill overflow tank and allow bleed screw in the T to pass fluid until a clear stream with no bubbles passes and the tank is kept from going low.

Once the bleed screw hole in the T is passing a steady stream of fluid and the overflow tank is not allowed to go empty put the screw back in the T to stop the flow.

Of course you catch the overflowing antifreeze properly under your truck.

Now put the overflow tank back on its mount and top it up to the line if it is not already there and put on the cap.

NOW start up the truck and allow to run.

If you still have the waterfall sound wait until the engine is stone cold and repeat the same procedure.

 

I will do that and the oil change this weekend. Hopefully she'll be good to go to move into my daily driver spot in the lineup next-week.

 

many times you can just tighten the 4 easy access valve cover bolts to stop the leaking at the covers. worth a shot, if you are not planning to take off the upper

 

It sure is worth checking the bolts on the covers..mine had a slow leak there and sure enough the bolts were loose. Takes a 8mm and 2 mins to tighten. Leak solved