Cleaned the Radiator -- What a difference!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 460
Likes: 12
From: Gulf Shores AL
Cleaned the Radiator -- What a difference!
Followed the instructions at Tech tips (http://www.corvetteforum.cc/techtips/viewsubtopic.php?SubTopicID=53&TopicID=2 ) for blasting
all of the grime out of my radiator ('91, 180k miles), and it made a 30-50 degree difference in operating tempurature. It did take me a solid hour to free the radiator, but otherwise the directions were accurate and easier to use then the chassis service manual. Those 7mm bolts were difficult to remove, and I wound up needing a 7mm box wrench to reach them which added some effort.
When I got the radiator out, it didn't look bad on first inspection. A candy wrapper, some leaves, nothing too alarming though. When I held the radiator up to the sun, boy, was it plugged up with some crud. I gave it a good 30 minute pressure wash, and it kept giving up dirt and micro-pebbles etc. I could have kept going, but the improvement was already substantial.
I recommend the procedure to any C4 owner, especially folks concerned with engine temps or driving a high mileage vehicle.
all of the grime out of my radiator ('91, 180k miles), and it made a 30-50 degree difference in operating tempurature. It did take me a solid hour to free the radiator, but otherwise the directions were accurate and easier to use then the chassis service manual. Those 7mm bolts were difficult to remove, and I wound up needing a 7mm box wrench to reach them which added some effort.
When I got the radiator out, it didn't look bad on first inspection. A candy wrapper, some leaves, nothing too alarming though. When I held the radiator up to the sun, boy, was it plugged up with some crud. I gave it a good 30 minute pressure wash, and it kept giving up dirt and micro-pebbles etc. I could have kept going, but the improvement was already substantial.
I recommend the procedure to any C4 owner, especially folks concerned with engine temps or driving a high mileage vehicle.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL, USA
Re: Cleaned the Radiator -- What a difference! (jwg2)
I tried to remove my radiator from a 91. About 2 hours into it, I quit and put everything back on. The Tech Tip makes it sound much easier than it really is, and getting the shroud out is very difficult. I am going to try again one day if I can get more detailed instructions or tips, or just pay for it to get done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,192
Likes: 1
From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Cleaned the Radiator -- What a difference! (jwg2)
:cheers:
I did a half-**** job and saw a minimun of 20 degrees cooler. I can't wait till I do it the right way. Just a few more weeks. :)
-John
I did a half-**** job and saw a minimun of 20 degrees cooler. I can't wait till I do it the right way. Just a few more weeks. :)
-John
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,632
Likes: 0
Re: Cleaned the Radiator -- What a difference! (War Machine)
it took me two hours . i wasn't planning on doing it at all , but i dropped one of the clips that hold the air cleaner down in between the radiator and the one for the ac . i think my car runs cooler except for my own personal temperature went up during the proscess .
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Re: Cleaned the Radiator -- What a difference! (jwg2)
Had it out in 20 minutes on my 84. It was filthy. Now it runs about 10 degrees cooler, and when sitting in traffic and the fan kicks on, the temp drops much faster than before.
If you own a C4, you gotta do this every so often.
If you own a C4, you gotta do this every so often.
