Heavy Duty Coolant system flush additive question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 910
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From: Shorewood IL
Heavy Duty Coolant system flush additive question
I recently picked up a '80 C3. The antifreeze looks a bit weak and I'm going to replace it in the next few weeks. When I do this I'm going to replace all the hoses and install a new thermostat. I also bought some Prestone Heavy Duty cooling system flush that I'm thinking of using. It's the two part powder system that requires you to first drain the system and fill with water. Next you add the first part that I believe is acidic. You run the car for 45 minutes and then add the neutralizer to the system and run it for another 10 minutes. It sounds like some pretty good stuff.
My question is will this be too rough on my system and create more headaches in the form of leaks? I know nobody has a crystal ball or x-ray vision but has anyone used this stuff? ANd if you did how did the results work out?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks :auto:
My question is will this be too rough on my system and create more headaches in the form of leaks? I know nobody has a crystal ball or x-ray vision but has anyone used this stuff? ANd if you did how did the results work out?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks :auto:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Goose Creek SC
Re: Heavy Duty Coolant system flush additive question (baja216)
I used it and it seems to work well. I would be wary about the radiator condition. If it eats out the corrosion like it suppose to do it may eat a hole in the radiator.
My radiator had a hole in it to start and I was replacing it with a new one and used the flush before the new one went in.
After the flush and new radiator I have no more cooling problems. The car stays around 190 in traffic and highway with the AC off with it on it runs about 200 in traffic and highway.
While I was in there I also replaced my radiator seals and made sure all the rest of the seals, cooling parts and air dam were in good shape.
My radiator had a hole in it to start and I was replacing it with a new one and used the flush before the new one went in.
After the flush and new radiator I have no more cooling problems. The car stays around 190 in traffic and highway with the AC off with it on it runs about 200 in traffic and highway.
While I was in there I also replaced my radiator seals and made sure all the rest of the seals, cooling parts and air dam were in good shape.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Re: Heavy Duty Coolant system flush additive question (Robert8096)
Same opinion as the guy above.
Also, watch out for the bolts on the thermostat housing. Those have a tendency to seize up and break off.
Also, watch out for the bolts on the thermostat housing. Those have a tendency to seize up and break off.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 910
Likes: 20
From: Shorewood IL
Re: Heavy Duty Coolant system flush additive question (Robert8096)
That's what I was kind of thinking of. I may just opt to replace the hoses and thermostat.
Thanks for the information. :auto:
Thanks for the information. :auto:
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Re: Heavy Duty Coolant system flush additive question (baja216)
I think you'll be fine. If there was anything that the flush would cause to leak, then it was ready to go as it is. Besides you want to find out now if your going to have any leaks before you put in the new anti-freeze. I agree with Bseery and recomend you proceed with care when removing the thermostat bolts. just be gentle with them.
