Radiator Maintenance

[sparks57]

I have heard a little bit about radiators... but not much. The only two processes I have heard of are "flushing" and "rebuilding. "



Can someone please describe to me both of the processes and when they are necessary?



Also, can either one be done by yourself? If so, how much do kits/tools cost? If not, how much would it cost to have the work done at a shop?



Thanks,

Chris

 

[Philip]

You can flush one yourself. Just check at your local parts store. They will have flush kits in stock. If you have any leaks just have the raditor recored at the local raditor shop. You could try to have leaks fixed if you find any. "BUT" most of the time if your have one leak you are getting read to have more. The copper core of a raditor will get brittle and deterate over time. So most of the time I do not reccommend try a repair of raditors.

 

[Underdog]

A few suggestions,take them for what they're worth. I'm sure

some will tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. First,stay

away from Cummins Northwest (unless you are wealthy ). I was

having overheat problems so,I went down that well worn road.

Flushed system,new thermostat,new fan clutch,new water pump,new radiator cap. I decided that maybe the head gasket was leaking. Took my truck to Cummins Northwest,explained what I had done,asked their opinion. Left the truck. When I picked

it up the bill was $343. They had put in a new thermostat and

flushed the radiator ???

The truck still overheated. Took it to a reputable radiator shop.

A flow check showed a plugged radiator. A new ,upgraded

radiator solved the problem.

Cummins claims the 5. 9 diesel doesn't need additives in the

radiator to prevent electrolysis. I found out the hard ( expensive)

way that the engine does in fact need an additive. I'm hoping

that the engine block isn't restricted too. In my opinion ,you would be wasting money by rodding and rebuilding an old radiator.