larryg3

I have an '81 with 65K miles. I have to replace the heater hoses because one sprung a leak. I have decided to go ahead and replace all of the hoses so that I can have a worry free spring and summer and not have to be concerned of another hose going out. I am debating on wether or not to perform a complete flush with one of those rad. flush bottles. or would it be better just to drain the system replace the hoses and refill it with coolant?

the car ran cool all last season with no problems and it has a 160 degree thermostat.

what do you guys/gals think??

Mikaman

I would flush the system using plain water. Open the radiator drain ****, and remove the block drains if possible. They are on the bottom of each side of the engine, and can be a pita to remove. After flushing with water, refill with new antifreeze and distilled water.

larryg3

Thanks i think that is what i will do.

wcsinx

How old is the radiator?

Radiator flush works but sometimes too well. You'll often find that an old radiator will start leaking after a good flush because all that crud you clean out was sealing the pinhole leaks.

larryg3

it is the original radiator. but agree that if i do the flush i may start leaking in other spots.

wcsinx

Yeah, stick with plain old water then.

7T1vette

Use radiator cleaner instead of 'flush', if it has been a long time since rad was cleaned out. It will be located on the same shelf as the 'flush' in the auto parts stores. It is a longer process (2-3 days), but it will get all of the built-up lime out of the radiator and the block. This will greatly improve the cooling capacity of both. Follow the directions on the bottle. Then you should be good-to-go for several years.
P.S. Don't get 'goofy'...put a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze back in your radiator

larryg3

Well i just got done i ended up using just water to flush the system. but boy talk about changing all the hoses just in time!!! when i pulled on the lower rad. hose on the water pump it started to tear. looks like it was still the original hose.

thanks for all of our suggestions.