Radiator flush
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Radiator flush
Okay, I have a supposedly coorrect temp sender unit coming. I want to flush and replace top and bottom radiator hoses when I install temp unit. . Any suggestions on whether or not to flush and the best place to get correct gm radiator hoses. What is the beat antifreeze I should be using.
BTW - 72 coupe SB, 4sp with a/c is the necessary components.
Thanks for the input!
BTW - 72 coupe SB, 4sp with a/c is the necessary components.
Thanks for the input!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,695
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any of the supporting vendors of this site should be able to supply you with the correct hoses. Any of the the brand name antifreezes should be fine, prestone etc. If you havent flushed the system in a number of years go ahead and flush.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
You should use radiator flush if the radiator is dirty/sludgy, but doesn't have any significant build up of lime in the cooling fins. If you do have lime buildup, then you need to use radiator cleaner to get that stuff off the fins and give them back the cooling capacity they should have. If you take the radiator cap off after you drain it, use a light and look down into it at the ends of the cooling channels. If you see a buildup of whitish/tan colored 'crud'....that's lime buildup, and you need to use cleaner. If you just see dirty/sludgy fluid come out of it with clean fins on the inside, you just need to flush the system.
I would recommend that you continue to use the ethylene-glycol antifreeze that the car was spec'ed to use. Dexcool is good stuff, but it was made to use in aluminum engines. It may work fine in cast iron hardware [I don't really know], but I DO know that glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50% with distilled water works very well over long periods of time.
I would recommend that you continue to use the ethylene-glycol antifreeze that the car was spec'ed to use. Dexcool is good stuff, but it was made to use in aluminum engines. It may work fine in cast iron hardware [I don't really know], but I DO know that glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50% with distilled water works very well over long periods of time.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 11, 2011 at 11:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
I'm planning to pull my radiator check for leaks, paint and use Zerex G05 phosphate-free coolant.
Tech spec sheet
Tech spec sheet
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
You should use radiator flush if the radiator is dirty/sludgy, but doesn't have any significant build up of lime in the cooling fins. If you do have lime buildup, then you need to use radiator cleaner to get that stuff off the fins and give them back the cooling capacity they should have. If you take the radiator cap off after you drain it, use a light and look down into it at the ends of the cooling channels. If you see a buildup of whitish/tan colored 'crud'....that's lime buildup, and you need to use cleaner. If you just see dirty/sludgy fluid come out of it with clean fins on the inside, you just need to flush the system.
I would recommend that you continue to use the ethylene-glycol antifreeze that the car was spec'ed to use. Dexcool is good stuff, but it was made to use in aluminum engines. It may work fine in cast iron hardware [I don't really know], but I DO know that glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50% with distilled water works very well over long periods of time.
I would recommend that you continue to use the ethylene-glycol antifreeze that the car was spec'ed to use. Dexcool is good stuff, but it was made to use in aluminum engines. It may work fine in cast iron hardware [I don't really know], but I DO know that glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50% with distilled water works very well over long periods of time.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
That'll work, but you'll be paying a high price for 1/2 the antifreeze. One gallon of antifreeze and a dollar$ worth of grocery store distilled water is equal to two of those 'pre-mixed' gallons. If that is simpler and works for you, great.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 208
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From: Hampton Fl.
St. Jude Donor '11
You should use radiator flush if the radiator is dirty/sludgy, but doesn't have any significant build up of lime in the cooling fins. If you do have lime buildup, then you need to use radiator cleaner to get that stuff off the fins and give them back the cooling capacity they should have. If you take the radiator cap off after you drain it, use a light and look down into it at the ends of the cooling channels. If you see a buildup of whitish/tan colored 'crud'....that's lime buildup, and you need to use cleaner. If you just see dirty/sludgy fluid come out of it with clean fins on the inside, you just need to flush the system.
I would recommend that you continue to use the ethylene-glycol antifreeze that the car was spec'ed to use. Dexcool is good stuff, but it was made to use in aluminum engines. It may work fine in cast iron hardware [I don't really know], but I DO know that glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50% with distilled water works very well over long periods of time.
I would recommend that you continue to use the ethylene-glycol antifreeze that the car was spec'ed to use. Dexcool is good stuff, but it was made to use in aluminum engines. It may work fine in cast iron hardware [I don't really know], but I DO know that glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50% with distilled water works very well over long periods of time.
I recently flushed mine , but still have visible lime remaining. Do the auto stores sell CLEANER? I didn't notice any when I bought flush.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Okay understand about flushing and cleaning. Where is "cleaner" purchased? Always see flush products but not cleaner. One
Ore question can I get the simple steps in order on proper flushingy small block?
Thanks again guys!!
Ore question can I get the simple steps in order on proper flushingy small block?
Thanks again guys!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 66
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Sorry for the typos, thumbs to big for the iPhone keypad!
