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'74 Radiator Flush Question

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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 05:28 PM
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Default '74 Radiator Flush Question

Hi all,

Doing my 1st radiator flush on my '74 today. Completed the process and am ready to drain the radiator for the final time and put in the coolant. Question: Do I just fill the radiator to the top or should I also put some coolant in the recovery tank? Wondering as there doesn't seem to be any min/max level markers on the recovery tank.

Thanks!
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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 06:07 PM
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Yes if it’s a non pressurized recovery tank.

did you open the block drains as well? Lots of water trapped in the block.
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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 07:20 PM
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and rust and crap in there too....
its more important than draining the radiator as all that loose crap in there now because of the flush can clog the radiator
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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Dennis1960
Hi all, should I also put some coolant in the recovery tank?
Yes! Fill the recovery tank to the COLD mark.


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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
Yes! Fill the recovery tank to the COLD mark.

Thanks. I had a feeling it was necessary to get some in there too

And didn't even know there were block drains
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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 09:36 PM
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that is not a flush.
it is a half coolant change.

there is a back flush using heater hose.
there are chemicals to loosen and dissolve crap, followed by complete system drain including block drain.
good luck
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by calwldlife
that is not a flush.
it is a half coolant change.

there is a back flush using heater hose.
there are chemicals to loosen and dissolve crap, followed by complete system drain including block drain.
good luck
What is the correct procedure? I have a 72 that I need to flush all the old out and refill..
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 09:12 AM
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I bought the prestone radiator flush, drained the coolant, added water and the flush chemicals. Drove it around for about 30 to 40 miles which was out to my brother house and back, then drained the radiator and block. I did this 3 times. Then when it was flushing clear I drained it fully and removed the radiator. Stuffed a hose and rag into the outlet side and back flushed the big rust particles out that may have clogged the tubes.
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 10:24 AM
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Be sure to use distilled water for your mix with the coolant (no minerals in it to cause rust)

Last edited by Jud Chapin; Jul 23, 2022 at 12:16 PM.
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Jud Chapin
Be sure to use distilled water for your mix with the coolant (no minerals in it to cause rust)
Did that
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 02:55 PM
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The block drains are a lot easier to get to with the exhaust out of the way.



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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Rescue Rogers
I bought the prestone radiator flush, drained the coolant, added water and the flush chemicals. Drove it around for about 30 to 40 miles which was out to my brother house and back, then drained the radiator and block. I did this 3 times. Then when it was flushing clear I drained it fully and removed the radiator. Stuffed a hose and rag into the outlet side and back flushed the big rust particles out that may have clogged the tubes.
Originally Posted by Jud Chapin
Be sure to use distilled water for your mix with the coolant (no minerals in it to cause rust)
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Old Jul 26, 2022 | 11:36 AM
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I've been using pure ethylene glycol in my 68 since about 1975. 1975 was when I had to replace the original factory aluminum radiator due to corrosion. I bought a new GM radiator and have used ethylene ever since. When I replaced the original factory engine with a ZZ4. the coolant passages of the original engine were rust free...they were coated with thin coating of the white silicate that's in anti-freeze.
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Old Jul 26, 2022 | 12:11 PM
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Consider the environment you operate your corvette in if you choose to go 100% glycol. Below 5* F it's gonna freeze. Most of us would be fine particularly if you're not driving it in those temps. Glycol contracts when it freezes vs expanding like water.
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Old Jul 26, 2022 | 10:31 PM
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all of the stuff on today's store shelves are weak; make your own diy

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/4594091-engine-block-coolant-capacity.html#post1604468383
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