Radiator flush question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Marco Island Florida
Radiator flush question
It's been a decade or two since I had to flush a brass/copper radiator. My 1978 needs some cleaning as I can see a bit of scale in it. The stuff I used years ago isn't around anymore. Google has some thoughts on using CLR or diluted muriatic acid. What works?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,368
Likes: 9
From: Colorado
I just did mine and used Peak super cleaner and flush. Seemed to do the job.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 30
From: warwick rhode island
go to amazon and look for oxalic acid. it is the stuff that was used years ago. cost me about ten bucks for a couple of pounds with free shipping. use a big box of baking soda to neutralize after cleaning/draining/flushing the acid.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Dap Wood Bleach from your local ACE Hardware is Oxalic Acid
Use Washing Soda as the original ingredients, not Baking Soda.
Use distilled water to refill.
Other mild acids will work, but the above is what GM sold.
Use Washing Soda as the original ingredients, not Baking Soda.
Use distilled water to refill.
Other mild acids will work, but the above is what GM sold.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Instead of radiator 'flush', buy the radiator 'cleaner' from Prestone. (same area in store) Read and follow the directions. It takes more time, but it gets rid of the scale deposits that 'flush' will not touch. It will make a big difference in the cooling capabilities of your radiator.
I agree that you should go to the local food mart and buy 3 gallons of distilled water for refilling the radiator once you do a final 50/50 antifreeze refill. (you don't need distilled water for the cleaning process)
I agree that you should go to the local food mart and buy 3 gallons of distilled water for refilling the radiator once you do a final 50/50 antifreeze refill. (you don't need distilled water for the cleaning process)
