Radiator Flush
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Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Lafayette LA
Radiator Flush
Does anyone have an idea as to how the Cheverolet Corvette service department radiator flush compares to a do it yourself Preston backflush system? The service manager says it's a much better system but it cost $120. Thanks for your help in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Radiator Flush (sebring)
I do not know this exact flush that the dealer mentioned to you; but I do know that many dealerships have purchased machines to flush coolant in a dexcool system (which you car has). I do not know if these machines are effective or not, but I do recommend that you have the system flushed before 5 years / 100,000 miles. Also GM has recommended a change in radiator caps to one that has a positive spring pressure vacuum vent valve, and to keep the overflow tank to the "full hot" level when cold.
I would hope that the GM method would be the proper proceedure, but when ever I hear any shop saying something like a special Corvette flush I would be turned off. You should flush, you should change your cap, you should make sure there are no leaks to the overflow tank, and you should make sure there is absolutely no air in the cooling system, and make sure that they don't put any of the sealing pellets in that cooling system.
Just my thoughts, good luck with your choice.
Pete
I would hope that the GM method would be the proper proceedure, but when ever I hear any shop saying something like a special Corvette flush I would be turned off. You should flush, you should change your cap, you should make sure there are no leaks to the overflow tank, and you should make sure there is absolutely no air in the cooling system, and make sure that they don't put any of the sealing pellets in that cooling system.
Just my thoughts, good luck with your choice.
Pete
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Vacaville, CA
Re: Radiator Flush (sebring)
Don't use the prestone flusk kit. These kits require that you warm the engine to operating temp to open the thermostat, then flush cold water into the hot engine block and aluminum heads. This is not good procedure. I recommend just flush / fill / drive three times, then do the final fill with 50 / 50 coolant & distilled water; (Less minerals). This way the water has a chance to heat evenly with the motor, thus saving your your engine, head gaskets, etc... from shock cooling. Regardless of how well you flush your cooling system, you're going to get some scale over time. You may also want to remove the plastic holding tank for flushing / cleaning as well as the radiator shrouding to clean the leaves off. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
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From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Radiator Flush (Glock'94)
I'm not sure about that ! You could be right, and if I had DexCool I would flush and refill with the same in two years; but at this many years I would be concerned. I think the full flush (the one made for DexCool) my be very wise at this age. Forget experience with the 'green' stuff (which we all know only lasts two years), this is the 'orange' stuff and it tends to fail nasty sometimes. For my money, I would pay for the correct flush, which I am not sure that the dealer in the orginal post is offering. And trust me, I don't pay shops to do stuff that I can do. :p:
