Radiator Cleaning
Guest
Posts: n/a
Radiator Cleaning
Does anyone have suggestions on how to clean and flush the radiator? I am going to install a rebuilt engine soon and want to get the radiator in good condition before starting the new engine. The radiator isn't causing any trouble now, but now is the time to clean it. Thanks for any suggestions you can offer. Tom :confused: :confused: :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Radiator Cleaning (T-Top Tom 1)
depending on the condition of the radiator, a simple flush, such as the Prestone kit sold in most stores, will do. If you have a brass/copper rad then most radiator shops can do a rod out for you fairly inexpensively. They take the side tanks off and run a rod through the passages. Comes out looking and performing like new.
Gary
Gary
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Oneida WI
Re: Radiator Cleaning (T-Top Tom 1)
I've heard that if you have an old system and it is not real dirty that you would need a powerful cleaner to get it clean. Running dishwashing soap like Dawn for a week will clean it. Depending how dirty it is would determine if you would need to flush with clean water and run dishwashing soap for another week. I know that if you have an older system, running a harsh cleaner can cause leaks.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: wellington N Zealand
Re: Radiator Cleaning (T-Top Tom 1)
Just done mine. Best idea is to take it out and send it to a reputable radiator shop. They will unstich the top and bottom tanks and run rods thru the cooling chambers before re soldering it and painting it. It cost me $60 (NZ) - US about $28 to have this done here. I also suggest you pull the radiator mount out and check the base as they are renown rusters. If not rusty put some good rustproofing stuff (I use POR 15) in the base where it can slosh around and prevent rust. Its easy to do once the radiator is out. If you have an auto dont forget to get your auto oil cooler outlets checked and of course replace all the hoses. You will then have a trouble free cooling system for the next twenty years. Do it once do it right and dont use cheap flushing solutions. :cool:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 26,563
Likes: 29
From: Northridge California
St. Jude Donor '14
Re: Radiator Cleaning (tippi58)
yeah, good point...check your radiator support cause they have a tendancy to rust out...mine is rotted...i have my front bumper cover off and front bumper impact bar off so it looks like a fairly easy job to replace everything...be way more of a PITA with all that stuff on...
'74 L48 - 4speed coupe
'74 L48 - 4speed coupe
