2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Heater core flus

[kcv67]

I see in the recent TDR magazine that Scott had his heater core flushed with a " cleaner" does any one know what that cleaner is.



Casey

 

[Bob4x4]

You can add a cooling system flush chemical to your cooling system,unless the heater core is completely plugged it will go through the core. If it is plugged pull the heater hoses off and run clear water from hose through the core. Do not try using too much pressure.

 

[mwilson]

I see in the recent TDR magazine that Scott had his heater core flushed with a " cleaner" does any one know what that cleaner is.



Casey

I was desperate two winters ago, was sick of cold toes when riding in the '97. Had flushed the core with water only several times, that would help for a week or so then heat would drop off again.



So in the interest of better living through chemistry I went a shopping, wound up at Home Depot. Spent enough time in the cleaner aisle reading labels that I began to get the ol' hairy eyeball from the help. Figured that I had better make a selection and get out of there before they called Homeland Security on me... .



I selected an acidic toilet cleaner, criteria was the same.



Drain a gallon or so of coolant from the radiator, just enough to get coolant below the heater core connections. I don't mess with the radiator drain, simply use a siphon hose and a clean container.



Unhook the heater hoses, blow the coolant out. I just use my same siphon hose slid into the heater hose and blow with my mouth. Shop Air pressure makes me nervous when dealing with an older core.



Take a funnel, I used a short transmission funnel, and insert it into the upper heater core hose. Slowly dump the cleaner in until you figure the core is full.

Wait about 5 minutes, that is long enough. Take the water hose and force the cleaner out. Reverse flush the core as well. Blow the water out again, add cleaner again, repeat, repeat.

I did mine three times.

When you are satisfied blow the water out one more time and then reattach the heater hoses to the engine. Refill the radiator. You will probably need another quart of coolant to make up what you lost from the core.



I can melt my feet now in that truck, no joke. It doubled the output. Beats ripping the dash out.



Again, 5 minutes at a time is plenty. Don't figure you are going to save time and flushes by leaving it in there too long.



Blow the heater core out so it is dry rather than rinsing it and leaving water in it. That way you don't mess up your freeze protection, very important when you are using Cat Extended Life Premix Coolant like I do.



Product here...


http://www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-128-oz-Acidic-Toilet-Bowl-Cleaner-ZUATB128/203487314



Mike.