There is a reagent (test chemical) that will change colour of a small sample of coolant showing hydrocarbon in solution.
It only takes an ounce or two and a drop of solution.
I was asking if the 302 had a shroud at all, really.
When you said "aftermarket aluminum radiator" it could be a custom Griffin race job, or any darn thing..
I don't see what you do, so I'm trying to establish some kind of baseline.
I've seen all kinds of crazy stuff, like cars overheating mid-winter where the coolant looked great.
The owner doesn't bother to tell me the car had froze solid, and the impeller sheared off the pump when they tried to get to work the day before...
I tend to ask big stupid questions, trying to get a better picture.
Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.