Compessed air and water rad flush
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
Compessed air and water rad flush
I am going to have my mechanic remove and clean my radiator on my 85. He has a tool that combines water and compessed air that he suggests he use to flush the engine. Anybody ever heard of this procedure? I'm worried about potential damage.
Thanks, JW
Thanks, JW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
Likes: 1
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
The OP is talking about a tool specifically designed to flush the system using water, and "shop air".
It works very well, and won't damage anything that was serviceable in the first place. Caddyboy84's method works too, just takes way longer.
It works very well, and won't damage anything that was serviceable in the first place. Caddyboy84's method works too, just takes way longer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
Likes: 1
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
Likes: 1
Yep. You can have a look right HERE
I'm assuming you need to regulate the pressure to under 19psi, you wouldn't want it to be a pressure tester as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
YEah, it's a sweet tool, and yes, you want regulated air. They are spendy though. I have one for my shop, but I probably wouldn't buy one for myself/home just b/c of the price. IIRC, it's ~$500.00 for the kit w/a fancy carry case.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 841
Likes: 1
NOOOooooooo........Back to the drawing board. I'll look hard at that picture and make one. It looks like $20 in parts. I'll modify my extra sand-blaster gun handle..
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Again, if the thing is serviceable, it won't be an issue. If the thing was going to spring a leak tomorrow anyway...well then it just might start leaking "today" with the flush instead. Wouldn't stop me from using it though.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
I have one, and it was about 15 bucks at Harbor Freight. I have unclogged many a radiator and heater core. You could easily make one with a schrader valve and a hose nozzle. I use a bike innertube and zippy ties for rad connection, and a heater hose for cores. Reverse flush them. I have a feeling that a few overheating Vettes would benefit from a good reverse flush. I look for cold spots on radiators with a IR temp gun. Beats changing out a heater core any day.
