Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cleaning exterior of Radiator

[JCyrbok]

Looked between the intercooler and radiator the other day and HOLY COW is the front of my radiator cruddy. In the center of the front it is so bad that you can barely see the fins through the greasy, oily crud. outside of this area is fairly clean.



What is the best way to clean the front of the radiator? There does not seem to be much access to get down in there. I'm thinking power washer and some kind of de-greaser to break down the crud. Any suggestions? Was thinking about Simple Green, but remember that it can damage aluminum so I dont know about that.



Also how would I get the crud out from in between the fins ( front to back) instead of just cleaning the front face of the radiator?



Any ideas will be appreciated.



J-

 

[KDoerr]

Had the same problem I had to take it out. It is not bad and you can then replace the coolant.

 

[diesel DOG]

gunk and a garden hose. Pressure washer will easily flatten the fins unless pressure is very low'

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks guys.



I think I'll try to clean before I take it out to clean, since I just changed coolant 2 weeks ago. Thats when I was really looking around the front of the radiator.



J-

 

[Truckie]

That's how I cleaned mine 2 cans of gunk. I took mine to the car wash and sprayed it down and let it soak for around 5 to 8 minutes and then loaded up the machine with about $3. 00 dollars in quarters and just worked from top to bottom till my time ran out. The pressure from the wand from the car wash is just right.







Mike

 

[MPalachuk]

I used a drier lint screen brush to reach in between the air to air and the radiator to clean the large stuff out and then used air and blew from the rear of the radiator. Then later washed with the car wash.

 

[Blue2002]

First try loosening it up with some Simple Green spray on cleaner.