To do it right remove the radiator and clean it good.
Another How To Clean The Radiator / Condensor Question
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Denton Texas
Another How To Clean The Radiator / Condensor Question
OK. I've searched the forum & found many ways people have cleaned all the debris out between the radiator & condensor.
The easiest seems to be using a shop vac entering from the passenger side getting the debris between the radiator & condensor.
Does this really work?
Is it that easy?
How about after cleaning with the shop vac run some water between the radiator & condensor?
95, LT1, Auto
The easiest seems to be using a shop vac entering from the passenger side getting the debris between the radiator & condensor.
Does this really work?
Is it that easy?
How about after cleaning with the shop vac run some water between the radiator & condensor?
95, LT1, Auto
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
I can't see how you are going to fit much of anything inside that space.
I would remove the cover, remove the radiator and do it right.
Also, get a radiator comb to clean up the fins on both the rad and the condensor.
I would remove the cover, remove the radiator and do it right.
Also, get a radiator comb to clean up the fins on both the rad and the condensor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Originally Posted by DG'sVette
OK. I've searched the forum & found many ways people have cleaned all the debris out between the radiator & condensor.
The easiest seems to be using a shop vac entering from the passenger side getting the debris between the radiator & condensor.
Does this really work?
Is it that easy?
How about after cleaning with the shop vac run some water between the radiator & condensor?
95, LT1, Auto
The easiest seems to be using a shop vac entering from the passenger side getting the debris between the radiator & condensor.
Does this really work?
Is it that easy?
How about after cleaning with the shop vac run some water between the radiator & condensor?
95, LT1, Auto
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Remove the rad, that's the only way to completely clean everything.
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From: TEMECULA CALIFORNIA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Bogus, Ive Got A 95 And There Is A Good 2-1/2 In Space Bet The Rad And Condensor, Plus There Is A 1-1/2 In Access Hole On The Pass Side For Vacuming And Brushing. Ive Got A Refrigerator Brush That Fits.
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From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
You have no idea how much stuff gets CAKED in the fins! Look:
That was my radiator, after 6 hours of cleaning and straightening the fins, the car ran 15* cooler across the board and the second fan never kicked on unless I turned the A/C on!
There's no other way to clean it out except to remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it!!!
That was my radiator, after 6 hours of cleaning and straightening the fins, the car ran 15* cooler across the board and the second fan never kicked on unless I turned the A/C on!
There's no other way to clean it out except to remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it!!!
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Originally Posted by ShawnZR-1
You have no idea how much stuff gets CAKED in the fins! Look:
That was my radiator, after 6 hours of cleaning and straightening the fins, the car ran 15* cooler across the board and the second fan never kicked on unless I turned the A/C on!
There's no other way to clean it out except to remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it!!!
That was my radiator, after 6 hours of cleaning and straightening the fins, the car ran 15* cooler across the board and the second fan never kicked on unless I turned the A/C on!
There's no other way to clean it out except to remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it!!!
Whoa
That's unbelievable! You may hold the record for the most crap ever photographed in the Rad cavity
You can seal off the area with some house door weatherstripping (1 inch wide, 1/4" thick foam, doubled up) placed under and around the AC condenser, that's where most of the crap gets in is under and around the AC condensor. I have used this method with some success
seeya
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,730
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From: Atoka Oklahoma
St. Jude Donor 06
Originally Posted by jackdaroofer
Whoa
That's unbelievable! You may hold the record for the most crap ever photographed in the Rad cavity
You can seal off the area with some house door weatherstripping (1 inch wide, 1/4" thick foam, doubled up) placed under and around the AC condenser, that's where most of the crap gets in is under and around the AC condensor. I have used this method with some success
seeya
That's unbelievable! You may hold the record for the most crap ever photographed in the Rad cavity
You can seal off the area with some house door weatherstripping (1 inch wide, 1/4" thick foam, doubled up) placed under and around the AC condenser, that's where most of the crap gets in is under and around the AC condensor. I have used this method with some success
seeya
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
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From: Yukon OK
I agree with the "pull the radiator" crowd 
You need to blow out the fins and inspect them. The surface trash is only a part of the problem. A lot of small stuff gets caught inside the fins and you can't see it. Once you have the shroud off the top you have done the hard part. Just pull the two hoses (and two transmission lines if automatic tranny) and lift the radiator out.
BTW; once you have it out, replacing it is only about $160.
You need to blow out the fins and inspect them. The surface trash is only a part of the problem. A lot of small stuff gets caught inside the fins and you can't see it. Once you have the shroud off the top you have done the hard part. Just pull the two hoses (and two transmission lines if automatic tranny) and lift the radiator out.
BTW; once you have it out, replacing it is only about $160.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: 1993 Quasar Blue 'vert Scottsdale AZ
With the radiator out, be sure to blow out the AC condenser. I may look clean, but it's amazing how much hair, dust and other small crap accumulates in there. Did mine last week and now I have ice-cold air.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: New York
Originally Posted by Lichen
With the radiator out, be sure to blow out the AC condenser. I may look clean, but it's amazing how much hair, dust and other small crap accumulates in there. Did mine last week and now I have ice-cold air.
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From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
ShawnZR1-Jeebus! Looks like you drove through a 12 foot tall pile of woodchips!
Looks like you drove through a 12 foot tall pile of woodchips! Trust me, I nearly 
!!!That was on my '92 after about 90K miles (I assume it had never been cleaned before).
Most of that was decomposing leaves and pine needles. In between the fins there were the tiniest pebbles or something very hard. It took forever to clean them out. Had I known, I may have just bought a new radiator!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: new orleans La
Originally Posted by bogus
I can't see how you are going to fit much of anything inside that space.
I would remove the cover, remove the radiator and do it right.
Also, get a radiator comb to clean up the fins on both the rad and the condensor.
I would remove the cover, remove the radiator and do it right.
Also, get a radiator comb to clean up the fins on both the rad and the condensor.
I thought I had mine clean until I pulled it only to discover over 1/3 was still full of debris.
