Radiator flush

[Power Wagon]

I'm desperately needing to do a radiator flush on my car... Does anyone have any experiences with the various products out there? IE, what has actually worked for you?

It appears the heater core is plugged, because in colder weather, the air that comes out of the heater is cold!

Right now, taking out the heater core is not an option...

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ICQ 3807791 Power Wagon
www.my2kcity.com/powerwagon
Mark Koskenmaki, General Diesel Moderator

 

[paccool]

Hi Mark

If the core is plugged, flushing usually won't clear it out. One thing to try is to remove the lines and back flush with a garden hose. This may remove enough to at least let the thing work a little. Check the control valve in the water line to make sure it is opening correctly.

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Stan
93 2WD extended cab, Banks Power Pack, K&N Air Filter, PW Injectors,Auto w/4. 10 rear with limited slip, US Gear Exhaust Brake, 31/2" Exhaust, 5K air bags, Boost/Pyro/Tach Gauges, Green/Silver, new 40-20-40 bucket seats, 149K

 

[HDH]

Powerwagon;
I have used "CLR" Before in my old jeep, It did in fact remove alot of crud form the cooling system. CLR stands for Calcium, Lime, Rust. I bought it at Wallmart for some rust stains on the driveway,It worked great on the Driveway, So i thought why not the Ol Jeep?. . I can't say if it did any damage to the jeep internals or not, Didnt seem to. I flushed the heck out of it after i used the CLR.
Doug.

[This message has been edited by DieselRam (edited 02-17-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

Mark,Stan hit it on the money. You didn't say what kind of rig you have,but on most newer cars the radiator is a 5 minute removal job. You can then turn the radiator so the inlet side is down and backflush with a hose,tapping at the same time helps. Most of the crud that plugs the core up is large flakes that get stuck on the inlets to the core tubes. Backflushing will remove some,and get things flowing but if done on the rig with the inlet up many flakes will still remain inside to plug again. Once you get the big stuff out you can use your choice of many products to chemically flush the system.
One of my tractors has a formula in the owners manual you can make yourself with baking soda and vinegar. I've used it many times,it works great. Don't remember it off hand but will check the manual when I go down to the shop later.

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 02-17-2001). ]

 

[MACHINEST]

POWER WAGON
Drain radiator to about 1/2 full.
Put 1 box of ARM AND HAMMER BAKING SODA INTO RADIATOR,Top off with 1 bottle of 1QT OF WHITE VINIGER. P. S WATCH YOUR EYES WHILE POURING IN VINGER,Drive 50 miles and flush this will clean here up like new.