Cooling

I am in the process of removing the freeze plugs to clean out the coolant passage. I have the 3 on the right side removed and I have not found much build up in there. The front one was the worst, but still not much in there. As I sit here drying out, I'm wondering if I might find the left side to be worse and if I need to flush the block with water before putting the new plugs in?

Answer:

Geez guy, you're halfway there. Don't quit now. Remove the plugs on the other side (Yes, I know full well that it's a pain and the left side IS the hardest.) Do as was directed and dig around in there with a coat hanger, screwdriver, whatever. You're Not gonna hurt anything. FURTHER....and this is most important! You didn't say that you pulled   the little drain plugs (threaded) at the very rear lower corner of the block. Those allow you access to the most sludge-prone areas of the
block. In fact, you might well have done them first with water running in from the radiator (a garden hose) as with the  freeze plugs out, all the water tends to run out their holes before it gets to the rear of the block ! You might try installing the new plugs on the right side of the block ( the ones you've already removed) and then flush and dig through the right block drain plug hole. I guarantee you'll get some crud out of that rear hole! Then do the left side that way before removing the freeze plugs. I can reaffirm Bob Kapteyn's findings as to blocked water pump manifold passages and pump impellers that are loose on the shaft. I've seen those maladies too.  Hey, you can do a "sorta" flow check on your radiator. Take off the> lower hose and hold your hand over it. then, with your other hand holding a garden hose, fill the radiator. When full, remove your hand from the lower outlet. Boy, the thing better whoosh out it's contents in quick fashion. If not, it maybe radiator shop time!