Debris Cleaning
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Knoxville Maryland
Debris Cleaning
What is the easiest way to clean the crud out of the front of the radiator on an '89? I posted a thread yesterday about replacing the petcock. I believe that my leaky petcock is due to the fact that when I drained my radiator last week and refilled it that a leaf got caught in the petcock when I closed it back up not allowing it to seal. I think I need to clean all of that crud out of there. Do I need to remove the radiator or can it be done out in front? Please let me know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Tampa Florida
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: California
I made a wand out of 3/4" white PVC pipe. I took a 45deg end and cut it off so that the 45deg part was even with the straight side and the attached it to the end of the wand. It is about 24" long and I then adapted it to the end of my small shop vac. I use it to vacuum out the fins on the radiator. It works great. I also use it through the hole in the side of the shroud for a quick vacuum of any debris in the bottom between the radiator and A/C Condensor.
Hope this helps.
Norm.
Hope this helps.
Norm.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
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From: Austin Texas
What is the easiest way to clean the crud out of the front of the radiator on an '89? I posted a thread yesterday about replacing the petcock. I believe that my leaky petcock is due to the fact that when I drained my radiator last week and refilled it that a leaf got caught in the petcock when I closed it back up not allowing it to seal. I think I need to clean all of that crud out of there. Do I need to remove the radiator or can it be done out in front? Please let me know.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Knoxville Maryland
Cleaning out all the crud between the radiator and condensor is a good idea, but it seems odd that a leaf or leaves would accumulate around the draincock area ? The draincock is not in an "enclosed" area, except for having a "half moon" shroud covering the top of it. Did you install a new draincock or is this the original that is leaking ? When the draincock was in out position(ie radiator drained) , did you check the rubber washer for damage or cracking ?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Sarasota Fl
Actually, there were leaves around the petcock. I even got the piece that causing the leak. I ordered a new petcock from Ecklers. It should be here next week. So, I drain the radiator and try to remove the internal portion of the petcock and I was unable to. I just removed the whole radiator and I am glad that I did. There were leaves up half way between the radiator and the condenser. I cleaned everything which is what I should have done in the first place. That will teach me to try to cut corners. Everything should be good to go as soon as I receive my new petcock. I really appreciate everyone's input.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Knoxville Maryland
Well, that figures. Maybe if the weather is going to hold then I will get it locally and just keep the one from Ecklers on hand. I had to order from them anyways so, I figured I would get the petcock from them also.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
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From: Chewelah Wa
I cleaned mine while it was still in the car and it still overheated. I took mine out and pressure washed it (be very careful) and you would not believe the stuff that was stuck in there....sand and doghair, etc. It was fairly easy to remove and it cured my overheating problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Actually, there were leaves around the petcock. I even got the piece that causing the leak. I ordered a new petcock from Ecklers. It should be here next week. So, I drain the radiator and try to remove the internal portion of the petcock and I was unable to. I just removed the whole radiator and I am glad that I did. There were leaves up half way between the radiator and the condenser. I cleaned everything which is what I should have done in the first place. That will teach me to try to cut corners. Everything should be good to go as soon as I receive my new petcock. I really appreciate everyone's input.
I think I have been in Texas too long!!! Very few leaves down here.... Glad you got it figured out !!