Flushing cooling system?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Flushing cooling system?
When I broke my cam in a few months ago I put water only in the radiator and left it in there until now and need to change it because it is rusty looking, but before I do I would like to flush the radiator and engine. Can I accomplish it by just putting a water hose it the top of the radiator with the engine running and letting it pump out of the water neck until clean water comes out? Any advice is appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: Norcross GA
Re: Flushing cooling system? (Steve Adkins)
At aminimum you will need to run a radiator cleaner through it. I added a backflush kit to theheater lines. You can also pull out the plugs on the side of the block, which I did not do.
Bob
Bob
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Flushing cooling system? (Bobchad)
Thanks Bob. I had the radiator cleaned/flushed and pressure tested before I put it back into the car so the radiator should be in pretty good shape. I didn't think about flushing through the heater hoses, thats a good idea!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Flushing cooling system? (Steve Adkins)
Your best bet on flushing the block is a total flush. If you have a BB then there are two large allen head bolts on the left and right side of the block at the bottom, for draining. SB's use two hex head bolts. Carefully open those up (try a little penetrating solvent first) and let them drain. Drain the radiator and hoses. Close everything back up and refill with fresh water. Run the engine with the upper hose removed and fresh water going into the upper radiator fill. When the water starts running clear, shut the engine down and let it cool. Drain everything again. Close it all back up and refill with equal parts antifreeze and DISTILLED water. By removing the block drains, you will have all of the old water out.
Gary
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Flushing cooling system? (Steve Adkins)
Steve,
I use this Prestone T-flush, located in one of the heater hoses. You hook the garden hose up to it and let it run freely at moderate pressure to cleanse the entire system. Heater valve must be open of course.
I use this Prestone T-flush, located in one of the heater hoses. You hook the garden hose up to it and let it run freely at moderate pressure to cleanse the entire system. Heater valve must be open of course.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Flushing cooling system? (paul79)
And if you don't want to leave the T in the hose you can replace it with a manual shut off valve. Keep it shut during the summer and you'll get less cockpit heat.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: Flushing cooling system? (Steve Adkins)
Just flushed mine at local lube shop for $20, flush tanks (4 ft.) filled 5 times and still rusty color did not disappear completely. Refilled with just water and rust prevention solution, 10 deg cooler now.
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