No you want the water to warm up to push the thermo open faster. Once you reach 200* then turn them on.

You do have a pretty sick build going on. I remember the frame work from gmfs.com back in the day when i use to get on that site

 

So I did exactly what you said , unplug the hose going to the coolant crossover. Filled up the tank with distilled water until I seen it come out, put it back and filled the tank to the cool line . Here's way it gets tricky . Turn the heater defrost on and proceeded to let it it warm up .

It got to 210 and stated there for awhile. However once it heated up, it started spraying it out the over flow . Being that the turbo is right there I didn't let this go for long . While it was doing this I squeezed the top hose to try and get some air out, and I could feel it flowing through there, but it was pushing water out of the over flow so I shut it down .

I tried filling it back up with water, and putting the cap on and letting it run, but started to get up pass 220 and climbing ( with one fan on) so again I shut it down .. man this is pissing mne off.

The radiator sat for a long time so I'm wondering If that's an issue. I took it out and ran water through it , but I guess I need to use a flushing agent or something ..

 

Dont put a flushing agent in your coolant system
Pull your thermo and fill it up then go from there. If it still does the same thing id look into a new radiator and or water pump

 

The only reason I was going to flush it is because I originally put tap water in months ago when trying to start it, and I noticed its kinda corroded.

 

Do I need to use coolant instead of water?

 

No water does the same thing the antifreeze just keeps the water from freezing in cold weather. The anti freeze actually retains heat.

 

Wicked build man, I'm a bagged truck guy too. Good luck with your coolant issue, I look forward to seeing this thing on the road!

 

You need an air lift to fill it properly. You hook up everything in your system and install the air lift cap and put an air hose on it. It pulls a vacuum on your entire cooling system. Fill up a clean bucket with coolant/water, swap hoses around on the kit, open a valve (with the fill hose in the bucket) and it will fill your system up with no air. This is the only way I did it at the dealership because it works. After it runs and comes to temp, you may need to top it off but it shouldn't take much. Those air lift kits are well worth the money.

UView 550000 Airlift Cooling System Leak Checker and Airlock Purge Tool Kit:Amazon:Automotive

 

Ive never had an issue with my way but that is a tool i think i need to invest in

Didnt look at the link too long but does it come with a carrying case?

 

Yep, mine came in a molded case

And the gauge in it makes it really handy for tracking down leaks.

Once you vac the system, remove the shop air and watch the gauge. If it bleeds off vac (toward 0") you have a cooking system leak.