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Radiator replacement

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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 08:17 AM
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Default Radiator replacement

Recently replaced intake manifold gaskets on my 87 callaway. Mech. said that he would replace the radiator. My question is can i flush the entire system ? Motor has to to have all kinds of gunk, Anybody ?
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Old Dec 4, 2016 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Scott Luttrell
Recently replaced intake manifold gaskets on my 87 callaway. Mech. said that he would replace the radiator. My question is can i flush the entire system ? Motor has to to have all kinds of gunk, Anybody ?
Why does the radiator need replaced?
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 07:20 AM
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We did intake manifold gaskets. Mech. said that there was alot of crap in the radiator and that a new one was recommended.Not tryin to sell a job. I can install a radiator but wouldn't a thorough flush do the trick ?

Last edited by Scott Luttrell; Dec 5, 2016 at 07:20 AM.
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Scott Luttrell
We did intake manifold gaskets. Mech. said that there was alot of crap in the radiator and that a new one was recommended.Not tryin to sell a job. I can install a radiator but wouldn't a thorough flush do the trick ?
I would think so. Id probably do a full engine flush then pull the radiator and have it flushed or dipped also.
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 01:42 PM
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Or pickup one of the 1.5's from DeWitts
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Old Dec 5, 2016 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
Or pickup one of the 1.5's from DeWitts
If that is the twin turbo Callaway, I'd probably pop for the full unit
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by SurfnSun
I'd probably do a full engine flush then pull the radiator and have it flushed or dipped also.
, tho is's so easy to spend another's money!

I'd want to know the source of all that gunk is eliminated, tho.

Last edited by whalepirot; Dec 6, 2016 at 09:37 AM.
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by SurfnSun
I would think so. Id probably do a full engine flush then pull the radiator and have it flushed or dipped also.
I don't know about the dipping part. It is kinda old to spend money on.
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by aklim
If that is the twin turbo Callaway, I'd probably pop for the full unit
No, there was another radiator thread recently where DeWitts posted a new lower cost model.
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
No, there was another radiator thread recently where DeWitts posted a new lower cost model.
Yes but I thought it was an "economy option" for if you are not wanting max cooling effect? With twin turbos wouldn't you want more than less cooling?
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by aklim
Yes but I thought it was an "economy option" for if you are not wanting max cooling effect? With twin turbos wouldn't you want more than less cooling?
Agreed, for some the 500 price tag might be tough to finance.
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Scott Luttrell
Recently replaced intake manifold gaskets on my 87 callaway. Mech. said that he would replace the radiator. My question is can i flush the entire system ? Motor has to to have all kinds of gunk, Anybody ?
Linky
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Old Dec 6, 2016 | 11:58 PM
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Replacing the radiator would be the last resort (and yes Dewitt's if it comes to that) but a complete cooling system flush to start with. If the radiator is a mess wouldn't the heater core be also? This sounds like taking the hoses off and thermostat out to flush out all the components to get the system really clean.

Last edited by 3JsVette; Dec 6, 2016 at 11:59 PM.
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Old Dec 7, 2016 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
Agreed, for some the 500 price tag might be tough to finance.
You have a point there.
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Old Dec 7, 2016 | 12:16 AM
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Originally Posted by 3JsVette
Replacing the radiator would be the last resort (and yes Dewitt's if it comes to that) but a complete cooling system flush to start with. If the radiator is a mess wouldn't the heater core be also? This sounds like taking the hoses off and thermostat out to flush out all the components to get the system really clean.
I would think you can put a garden hose to the outlet of the heater core and back flush it if the intake is venting to atmosphere. I'm not sure how much more I would go when it comes to pressurizing the thing past city water since I'd rather not have a fish bowl in the cabin.

Know of any good flush mixtures? IIRC, Mercedes has a citric acid wash but not sure what else is available out there. Supposedly the old stuff has be watered down to be meaningless.
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