Going to clean out radiator...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 0
From: Waterford MI
Going to clean out radiator...
and I am looking for some words of wisdom. I'm not planning on pulling the radiator, just the upper support and liberal use of a vaccume.
Any one got some advice?
TIA :cheers:
Any one got some advice?
TIA :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (T1Kilr)
Here's the info in tech tips. I need to do this too.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=53&TopicID=2
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=53&TopicID=2
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (T1Kilr)
It is worthwhile to do this. I could not believe how much junk was in my car. One thing I did, there are 3 screws per side on the front of the rad shroud that were a real pain to get out. I ended up flipping the clip on nuts and then reinstalling the screws from the rad inlet side instead. Only thing that caused was I move the air injection hose a little to make sure it didn't get cut on the screw. Not sure if that is a '96 specific thing though.
Back flush the rad and the ac condenser. I used air and water and keep at it, again, at least for my car, it was filled.
Good luck,
Jeff
Back flush the rad and the ac condenser. I used air and water and keep at it, again, at least for my car, it was filled.
Good luck,
Jeff
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (T1Kilr)
Go ahead and pull the radiator. It is very easy and you'll get a much better job. While the radiator is out, soak it with detergent to get the road grime off. The engine will run much cooler. You will be glad you did it.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,136
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (89 Bob L)
Go ahead and pull the radiator. It is very easy and you'll get a much better job. While the radiator is out, soak it with detergent to get the road grime off. The engine will run much cooler. You will be glad you did it.
Go ahead and take the time to pull the radiator (only the lower hose and lower trans cooler connection left to do) and give it a good cleaning. Will make a world of difference. Here is a thread on what I did with mine: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=309437
tom...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (T1Kilr)
I'd have to vote for pulling it also. While you have it out, you can straighten any of the fins that are bent. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,419
Likes: 0
From: Are you the bug or are you the windshield.....
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (T1Kilr)
I recommend pulling it also, only two more line (transmission and lower radiator hose) to pull it.....
Check for bent fins and straighten accordingly.......
Clean the garbage out......
Do you have an optispark???? If so, cover that bad boy up don't want to get it wet......
I did mine two weeks ago, and my car does run about 20 degrees cooler.... As a matter of fact while running the AC and stuck on an offramp for 15 minutes the other day, the temp never got above 220. Last year I had to turn the air off when I got stuck in traffic on the interstate cause the temp was pushing 245......
If you are going to do part, do the whole thing.....
Just my 2 cents....
Check for bent fins and straighten accordingly.......
Clean the garbage out......
Do you have an optispark???? If so, cover that bad boy up don't want to get it wet......
I did mine two weeks ago, and my car does run about 20 degrees cooler.... As a matter of fact while running the AC and stuck on an offramp for 15 minutes the other day, the temp never got above 220. Last year I had to turn the air off when I got stuck in traffic on the interstate cause the temp was pushing 245......
If you are going to do part, do the whole thing.....
Just my 2 cents....
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,773
Likes: 1
From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Re: Going to clean out radiator... (T1Kilr)
Most of the benefit is in pulling the radiator and cleaning it. Don't be gun shy. Do it right one time and then "faagedaboutit". :)
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