Radiator Flush ?????
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Radiator Flush ?????
What is the best way to flush out a very badly corroded radiator? Is there a flush that can be purchased that will do a good job? I just want to avoid the $100 trip to the radiator shop to have it boiled out. Any advise? 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 910
Likes: 20
From: Shorewood IL
I believe the Chevy dealers have a Heavy Duty Prestone radiator flush kit. It think it's in a yellow can. It contains two parts(powders to add one at a time), the first part isused to do the cleaning and the second part neutralizes the first additive.
I don't have any part number though.
I don't have any part number though.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
Likes: 257
From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
I recently looked into this:
Drain radiator
Put in the Prestone Flush and water
Get engine to operating temp
Turn heater on to highest setting for 10 minutes
Drain
Install 50/50
Two bottles of flush if radiator is over 12 quarts.
Drain radiator
Put in the Prestone Flush and water
Get engine to operating temp
Turn heater on to highest setting for 10 minutes
Drain
Install 50/50
Two bottles of flush if radiator is over 12 quarts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,798
Likes: 25
From: Pine Bluff Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21
I have a good friend that owns a radiator shop. If you have a C-3 there is a good chance that you need a new radiator. If you take it out you will probably see many places where it has leaked before and if its stopped up badly, replacing it is the best way to go. Then you don't have to worry about it for many years. Be sure and use distilled water and change and flush it out every few years. He also likes the old green antifreese.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Originally Posted by danboback
remove bottom hose, remove top hose, remove shroud, remove radiator and install new radiator! Just kidding, I think they pretty much have you covered 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
I never recommend to anyone to use the flush stuff. You can just about count on it that when you flush out all of that nice funk, it will start leaking everywhere. It does a great job of actually sealing stuff and as soon as you wash all the rust away, it will start leaking at the freeze plugs, water pump, etc etc. I've seen it many times.
I'd go with the new radiator too if you can swing it. Just get a brass replacement type and flush system with water as best you can and pray for luck on the rest holding up for awhile.
But don't count on it!
JIM
I'd go with the new radiator too if you can swing it. Just get a brass replacement type and flush system with water as best you can and pray for luck on the rest holding up for awhile.
But don't count on it!
JIM
