profuse007

radiator flush, DIY or no?

i just rebuilt a motor and i dont want a dirty radiator messing anything up. would i flush the radiator or take it to a shop(50-60bucks)? if DIY, what can i flush it w/?

farmerj

in or out of the vehicle?

Out, take it in. or else wrap a rag around a house and flush is with water.

I have always used prestone flush myself. I have one of there flush kits on my vehicle. Albeit, I should pull it off and put a solid hose back in.

Even so, with the "enviromental" concerns, I am finding it easier to bring things in when it involves large quantities of fluids like this. Especially with dogs in the house.

profuse007

yeah, the radiator is out. ill take a shot at it.

gregbreakseverything

Slight Hijack. Can anyone tell me (or point me towards a write up) of how to do a coolent flush while everything is still in the engine bay?

Thanks

profuse007

run a water hose to the block w/ the thermostat out

woolsocks

For a good ghetto clean I fill my radiatiors with vinegar for a day than flush em with tons of water. Vinegar hates calcium.

4Mogger

I just get several gallons of distilled water (usually about .50 cents each) and begin by draining the radiator and refilling with the water. Make sure to pull off the upper radiator hose and fill that too. Then drive it for a few minutes and repeat 3 or 4 times until the drained coolant is clear. Also dont forget to run the main and rear heater to circulate the water through there as well. Then on the final drain refill with factory red coolant and adjust the percentages until you are running a safe ratio for winter.
I think the extra few bucks for distilled water is worth the money since you probably have hard water on tap and the added minerals and chemicals won't help your system one bit.
*remember to keep filling that upper radiator hose with each drain cycle as in my experience, air gets introduced to the system and will prevent the coolant from cycling.

BMWSTOY

Agree with 4Mogger on the distilled water. I have been reading for the last 2 days on coolant and flushing. This method is the safest and cleanest. If it is too dirty for just the water up to 3 times, then you can go the prestone flush route.
All radiator companies tell you to use distilled water, so why would you flush with tap water, because it will get in your system. This is what I am doing - IMHO.

fireteacher

any updates on how this went?

fireteacher

also, the resivoir is a red coolant, under the cap is green!!! i thiink someone mixed them before me??? or is the resevoir just that dirty? im gonna flush it tomorrow like the method above