Truck temp gauge started to hit H ad the "Check Gauge" light was lighting up.

Coolant reservoir was at correct level. took off radiator cap and radiator looked empty and there was brown sludge all around it. I wiped it off and shot a hose in there and it was taking a lot of water. I removed the drain plug from the radiator, it wa covered in sludge and nothing was coming out. Put a bucket under there, kept shooting water into the radiator, eventually the water blew out of the drain and a bunch of chocolate milk looking dirty water was flowing out. I ran the hose for about 15 minutes until it was clear. I replaced the thermostat and that was also covered with sludge. I then reflled with coolant. Temps were then fine and heat worked good.

That was about a month ago, then it started to overheat again. I'm assuming there is more sludge to flush. How can I flush it all out?

 

Flushing it out is one thing. Having a blown head gasket and getting oil in your coolant is quite another.

 

I don't think it's a blown head gasket, the oil is clean as a whistle. And the brown stuff was thick, like a crud. It wasn't just brown coolant. Bu then again it wouldn't surprise if this POS had a blown head gasket it's been nothing but a piece of **** money pit since I bought it.

 

Just went outside and took the radiator cap off, the coolant looked clean to me. I took my hose and cupped my hand ober the opening to get some pressure to build up, and shot some water in, and the water pump started leaking. Looks like that would be the culprit then.